Soccer: Toronto set to play NZ youth

Major League Soccer (MLS) newcomers Toronto FC have agreed to play New Zealand in a training game on Friday (NZ time) in the countdown to the men's under-20 World Cup in Canada.

The hastily-arranged fixture means coach Stu Jacobs' team are likely to face Toronto's All Whites defender Andy Boyens in the 60 minute blowout.

New Zealand had hoped to arrange a game against Toronto's reserves after injury and illness denied Jacobs the chance to field his top 11 in 0-3 and 0-4 warmup losses to Costa Rica and USA respectively on the way to Canada.

However, Toronto coach Mo Johnston agreed to put his first team up.

"To get their first team out for a game is great of Mo because they've got a tough schedule coming up with their next five weeks on the road because of the World Cup," Jacobs said.

"I'd say the presence of one Mr Andy Boyens has certainly helped. They hold Andy in pretty high regard around here."

Jacobs intends fielding the 11 players who will start New Zealand's World Cup opener against two-time champions Portugal on Tuesday (NZ time).

- NZPA