Toronto FC got a late penalty kick against the run of play, and Alejandro Pozuelo converted to snap New York City FC's six-game unbeaten streak, winning 1-0 at Red Bull Arena on Wednesday night.
NYCFC dominated the first half with 10 shots to TFC's three, including the best chances of the half, but Alex Bono came through with some timely saves to keep the teams level going into the locker room. Gary Mackay-Steven proved a particular threat in the first half, going just wide on a 26th-minute shot, and then setting up Alexander Ring for a 42nd-minute attempt that Bono was able to wrap up.
The game continued similarly in the second half, with NYCFC looking the stronger side and getting the better chances. As in the first half, however, neither team was able to break through. Both teams brought on impact subs late, including Heber, whose 65th-minute shot on goal was the most dangerous chance of the half for the hosts. TFC had an enticing 82nd-minute chance on a Pozuelo free kick, which Omar Gonzalez headed just wide of target.
The match took a sober turn in the 84th minute when Heber went down with an apparent knee injury and had to be stretchered off the field. Then, just shortly after play resumed, subs involved themselves in the storyline, as Justin Morrow fired a shot that pinged off Nicolas Acevedo's outstretched arm. That led to the penalty, which Pozuelo made good on.
Goals
- 90' – TOR – Alejandro Pozuelo (PK) | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: With the win, Toronto vaulted into second in the East standings, setting up a high-stakes match against the Crew on Sunday at its home away from home in East Hartford. NYCFC saw its impressive six-match unbeaten streak come to an end on a night where it was clearly the better team. Fans will be holding their breaths awaiting word on Heber's status; will it be an injury that takes him out of the playoffs?
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The tide turned in the last nine minutes of regular time, and though the penalty and conversion sealed the game, Pozuelo nearly connecting with Gonzalez on the free kick gave an indication of the sea change coming.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Bono had eight saves, playing heroically and keeping Toronto in the game until they found their stroke of luck and Pozuelo made good on it.
Next Up
- NYC: Saturday, September 26 at FC Cincinnati (7 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
- TOR: Sunday, September 27 vs. Columbus Crew SC (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US, TSN2 in Canada)
