Reds’ unbeaten run over
Toronto scored first, but couldn’t withstand the pressure from NYCFC
Kevin O’Toole’s first MLS goal lifted New York City FC to a 2-1 win over Toronto FC on Saturday, ending TFC’s unbeaten run to start the season at three games.
O’Toole put NYCFC ahead with a stylish header in the 65th minute off a cross from the outside of Julian Fernandez’s boot, while the Toronto defence was slow to respond. It was the first time TFC had trailed this season.
Jahkeele Marshall-Rutty scored his first MLS goal for Toronto, now 2-1-1 despite another fine performance by stand-in goalkeeper Luka Gavran. TFC, which hosts Atlanta United next Saturday, managed few chances on the New York goal.
Santi Rodriguez also scored for NYCFC, which had midfielder Keaton Parks sent off in the 68th minute for a nasty challenge on substitute Kobe Franklin that earned a straight red card after video review. Toronto upped its attack in an unsuccessful bid for the tying goal in a game that saw almost 12 minutes of second-half stoppage time.
While Toronto went ahead early, NYCFC came on strong as the first half wore on, tying it 1-1 and putting the visitors under pressure at Yankee Stadium.
The New Yorkers outshot Toronto 9-6 (6-2 on target) in the first half, had six corners to TFC’s two and held 68.2 per cent of the possession.
A fine long ball from Alonso Coello found 19-year-old Marshall-Rutty steaming toward the penalty box in the seventh minute. Two good touches later, the wingback rounded goalkeeper Matt Freese and poked the ball home. The goal came in Marshall-Rutty’s first start of the season and 54th career league appearance.
Rodriguez, a young designated player from Uruguay, tied it up in the 24th minute with a spectacular free kick, bending the ball over the wall and into the top corner. Centre back Kevin Long conceded the foul, chopping down forward Mounsef Bakrar.
It was the first goal conceded by Toronto this season, ending a 293minute 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).
Lorenzo Insigne captained the team in Osorio’s absence.