
A lot was expected from New York City FC’s trip to Toronto FC on Saturday. It didn’t disappoint. Here are three things we learned as NYCFC took all three points back to the Big Apple.
One of the top matches of the week lived up to its billing. Toronto FC hosted New York City FC in what was a marquee matchup between two of the Eastern Conference’s star-studded clubs. A red card and a last-minute stunner added to the dramatic storylines in the weekend that was.
The match got off to the worse start possible for Toronto in the 11th minute when Jozy Altidore was sent off for kicking Alex Callens.
David Villa instantly took advantage of the man advantage in the 15th minute with the match’s opening goal.
David Villa gets the opener in #TORvNYC!
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 12, 2018
That's his 8th goal in 8 appearances vs. @TorontoFC. https://t.co/pLr2OBL6AC
Sebastian Giovinco responded for Toronto in the 27th minute with a well-placed low driven shot.
Down a man? No problem.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 12, 2018
Giovinco equalizes for @torontofc. #TORvNYC https://t.co/F27Qn3su90
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi put NYCFC ahead once more in the 36th minute which would send the visitors into halftime ahead 2-1.
9⃣ goals on the year and counting for Ismael Tajouri-Shradi... pic.twitter.com/wYX4p4mJEA
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) August 12, 2018
Back came Toronto in the second half when Victor Vazquez heroically scored the match-tying goal as Toronto were determined to see out at least a point at home.
But then an 88th-minute stunner from Tajouri-Shradi decided proceedings on the day as the midfielder completed the brace in spectacular fashion.
https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1028761946437214208
Here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s 3-2 victory.

3. Toronto’s undiscipline rues the day
Jozy Altidore’s red card early in the match put Toronto into difficulty right from the start. The striker clearly kicked Alex Callens and will certainly regret a meaningless action that cost his club in the long run of the match.
Toronto has now had two incidents in two weeks where they have lost a player to a suspension. Just the week prior, Chris Mavinga was sent off at the very end of the match, which was another avoidable red card.
They cannot afford the same ill-discipline in the future. This is a team that is chasing the playoffs with a small margin for error. Dropping points in such foolish, meaningless ways does not help their cause.