NYCFC must wait for their first road win of 2023, following a 1-0 defeat at Toronto FC. C. J. Sapong’s second-half strike separated the sides at BMO Field, snapping City’s four-game unbeaten run on Matchday 10.
Toronto FC 1 NYCFC 0
Report from NYCFC.com
Head Coach Cushing made two changes from the side that triumphed 3-1 against FC Dallas last time out, as Matías Pellegrini and Kevin O’Toole were restored to the starting XI in place of Braian Cufré and Gabriel Pereira. Former Blue Sean Johnson lined up for Toronto against the City Boys for the first time since his departure in the off-season.
Looking to take an impressive home run on the road, on the back of successive victories at Citi Field, the Boys in Blue faced Toronto for the 22nd time, with the two sides evenly-matched in previous contests. City had won six and drawn seven of 18 regular season meetings – victorious in the most recent encounter: a nine-goal thriller.
The visitors were wary of the hosts’ strong record at BMO Field however, with The Reds having lost only two of their last 11 home fixtures.
First Half Delayed Due To FIre Alarm
With kick-off in Canada delayed due to a fire alarm, both teams returned from the locker rooms raring to go with early ventures into the opposition penalty area. Toronto debutant Sapong proved a threat from the off for the home side, volleying over and stinging the palms of Luis Barraza in the game’s first chances of note.
As the hosts gained an early foothold, the City shot-stopper then had to be alert to deny Lorenzo Insigne and Mark-Anthony Kaye, while Sapong skewed high and wide.
Cushing’s side would have to wait until five minutes before the break for a first real sight of goal, as Pellegrini curled into the arms of Johnson, and Keaton Parks was thwarted by the former NYCFC goalkeeper at the near post.
Alarming Start To Second Half
Though the Boys in Blue had ended the first half brightly, the visitors suffered a nightmare start to the second period, as the hosts broke the deadlock just 22 seconds in.
Richie Laryea was the creator, driving to the byline and squaring for Sapong to tap into an empty net for his first goal for the Canadian outfit. With the momentum, Toronto went in search of a quickfire second. Insigne saw a curling effort pushed away by Barraza, who also thwarted Brandon Servania with a low stop.
Cushing introduced Alfredo Morales and Andres Jasson in a bid to inject some impetus, and the switch almost bore fruit with Jasson unfortunate to watch a diving header fly over the crossbar, after Maxime Chanot had headed wide.
It would prove the closest City would come to a leveler, and Toronto hung on for the victory.
Upcoming Match
Saturday, May 6, 2023 7:30 p.m. ET – MLS Regular Season Matchday 11 v. Charlotte FC | Bank of America Stadium; Charlotte, North Carolina | Broadcast: Apple TV | Radio: nycfc.com/radio