Reds continue slide in New York
Record falls to 4-8-3 as Berget scores twice in debut of new coach
NEW YORK— Jo Inge Berget scored twice and coach Domenec Torrent celebrated his New York City FC debut with a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Sunday.
Víctor Vazquez opened the scoring for Toronto, now 4-8-3, in the 37th minute. Vasquez outran his defender on Auro’s long ball up the right side and sent a chip shot over the onrushing goalkeeper.
NYC FC, which improved to 9-3-4, tied it at 1-1 in the 51st minute on Berget’s back heel from the top of the six-yard box.
Berget made it 2-1 in the 68th minute, following Maximiliano Moralez’s direct pass up the right channel and slotting it home.
“I think as a group we need to continue to evolve with the game as it progresses,” said Toronto FC coach Greg Vanney on his team’s problems in the second half. “We need continue to work through different guys showing up in different places, communicate with one another, and continue to work through the tough moments.
“This is a team that will show you different looks, and you got to be able to adapt. Over the course of the game we weren’t very efficient on the defensive side which cost us a lot of energy.”
NYC FC’s David Villa left the game in the 28th minute with a noncontact injury.
Torrent replaced Patrick Vieira in New York shortly after Vieira’s departure for OGC Nice was officially confirmed. Torrent had been the right-hand man to Pep Guardiola for the last 11 years, most recently at Manchester City.
Next up for Toronto FC is a match at home against the New York Red Bulls next Sunday.