Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls – Game Recap
Congratulations in order to hosts Toronto FC for making it to the 2015 Audi MLS Playoffs for the first time in the club’s 8-year history!
An interesting night with high expectations from both sides, as each had something to prove. Hosts Toronto FC needed a draw or a win to secure a playoff spot, where visitors New York Red Bulls equally required a win or a draw in order to clinch the top seed in the MLS Eastern Conference.
It was clear on the first half that both teams came determined not to concede goals, at times at the expense of creating chances and opportunities. And thus, very few threatening moments were shown on either side.
Furthermore, Toronto’s coach Greg Vanney did not open with his usual attacking trio of Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco up front, orchestrated by Michael Bradley in midfield. Bradley was absent, Giovinco was on the bench returning from International duty that afternoon, next to Altidore that was also on the bench, and even managed to pick up a red card without even playing.
New York’s Jesse Marsch did open with the Red Bulls’ usual attacking front of Bradley Wright-Phillips at front, backed by Mike Grella and Sacha Kljestan at the top of midfield.
Although goalless, the first half was not uneventful, with Jozy Altidore using foul language and shouting abuse from the bench at the linesman, resulting in a red card (34’).
Toronto got their lead shortly after half time, with the hosts’ new player Herculez Gomez going past New York’s Ronald Zubar inside the box, and taking a gentle kick from close range. A failed clearance from Red Bulls’ keeper Luis Robles gave Toronto their first goal of the night (51’).
Toronto FC 1 – 0 New York Red Bulls
New York dominated possession for most of the game, and a late substitution of Herculez Gomez (71’) brought on Toronto and MLS star scorer Sebastian Giovinco.
With enormous skill and effort, Giovnico received a ball from Jonathan Osorio and managed to pass through almost the entire New York line up, taking an accurate shot from the left into the right corner (78’).
Toronto FC 2 – 0 New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls retaliated soon thereafter, with Sean Wright-Phillips taking a cleared ball and blasting a shot from outside the box into the left side, giving New York their only goal of the match (86’).
Toronto FC 2 – 1 New York Red Bulls
Several tense minutes have passed towards stoppage time, as New York did come close to equalizing, however despite the Red Bulls dominating possession (62%) and taking more shots (10, compared to Toronto’s 7), Toronto was more accurate (4 on target, vs. New York’s 2), Toronto brought its’ home fans an historical win.
Both teams have a short rest before playing again this weekend. Toronto travelling to face Columbus Crew on Saturday, and New York returning home to host Philadelphia Union on Sunday.
