The New England Revolution again appear to be peaking at the right time, though they've been unable to separate from Toronto FC in the Eastern Conference race.
Toronto has a chance to pull even with the surging Revolution in the standings when the clubs meet Sunday, but may have to play without its top scorer.
New England (11-9-7) brings a season-high four-game win streak into BMO Field and is 5-0-1 over its last six. The Revs enter Sunday's key match fourth in the East, within striking distance of first place and 10 points clear of being out of playoff position.
The Revolution used a similar late run en route to last year's MLS Cup appearance, ending the regular season on a 9-1-1 tear to finish second in the East.
"I think we're all clicking, and that's what we want to see," midfielder Diego Fagundez said. "We want to see one-two (touches) and moving off the ball, and I think everyone in the team has been doing that."
Fagundez scored for a second straight match and Lee Nguyen had a club-record three assists in a 3-0 victory over Orlando City last Saturday, New England's third consecutive shutout.
Another clean sheet would be a challenge in Toronto (11-11-4) against a team which has amassed 14 goals over a 4-1-0 home stretch. However, star striker Sebastian Giovinco is uncertain for Sunday's game due to an adductor injury suffered Aug. 29 during a win over Montreal.
Giovinco, second in MLS with 17 goals, was one of several Toronto regulars unavailable in a 2-1 loss at Seattle last Saturday. The Reds had a two-game win streak snapped and remained three points back of New England but hold a game in hand.
Jozy Altidore also missed the match due to U.S. national team duty, as did midfielder Collen Warner (suspension) and defender Justin Morrow (personal).
"They (Seattle) were basically at full strength and we were missing four or five guys that are consistently in our lineup, so I think it shows that we can come out here and get the results if we put ourselves in a spot that possibly we can get something out of the game," goalkeeper Chris Konopka said.
Altidore has three goals over Toronto's past two games and had a brace in the U.S. team's 2-1 win over Peru in a Sept. 4 friendly. While he and Morrow return Sunday, Warner must complete a two-game ban for violent conduct.
Altidore drew a costly red card and Charlie Davies scored twice in the Revolution's 3-1 home win when the teams last met Aug. 1. Toronto captain Michael Bradley, who had a goal in a 1-1 draw at New England on May 16, missed the match due to injury.
Toronto is 0-4-2 against the Revolution since a 1-0 road victory Aug. 4, 2013.
