Toronto FC’S unbeaten streak ends with 2-1 defeat at NYCFC
NEW YORK • Kevin O’toole’s first MLS goal lifted New York City FC to a 2-1 win over Toronto FC on Saturday night, ending TFC’S unbeaten run to start the season at three games.
O’toole put NYCFC (1-3-0) ahead with a stylish header in the 65th minute off a wonderful cross from the outside of Julian Fernandez’s boot, with the Toronto defence slow to respond. It was the first time Toronto had been behind this season.
Jahkeele Marshall-rutty, with his first MLS goal, scored for Toronto (2-1-1), which got another fine performance from stand-in goalkeeper Luka Gavran but managed few chances on the New York goal.
Santi Rodriguez also scored for NYCFC. It was the first goal conceded by Toronto this season, ending a 293-minute shutout streak.
Toronto was missing injured captain Jonathan Osorio (hip), goalkeeper Sean Johnson (hamstring), defenders Richie Laryea (hamstring), Nicksoen Gomis (wrist) and Raul Petretta (groin), and midfielder Brandon Servania (knee). There was no immediate word from the Canada camp whether Osorio was still headed to the national team for the arch 23 Copa America qualifying playoff against Trinidad and Tobago.
Tyrese Spicer, the top pick in the 2024 MLS Superdraft, came on in the 75th minute to make his Toronto debut. He set fellow substitute Ayo Akinola with a fine curling ball minutes later, only to see the ensuing shot miss the target.
New York had stumbled coming out of the gate, with losses at Charlotte FC (1-0), St Louis City SC (2-0) and, last time out, to visiting Portland (2-1) in a game that saw it concede goals in the 85th and 97th minutes.
Toronto opened with a scoreless draw at FC Cincinnati before winning 1-0 at New England and 1-0 over Charlotte FC in last Saturday’s home opener at BMO Field. But its past record at NYCFC was 1-4-5.
Toronto hosts Atlanta United next Saturday, while NYCFC visits FC Cincinnati.