New York Red Bulls Score Late to Edge Toronto FC 2-1

The performance wasn’t dazzling, but securing three points was what mattered most. On Saturday (22), the New York Red Bulls defeated Toronto FC 2-1 at Sports Illustrated Stadium, thanks to a brace from midfielder Emil Forsberg. Deandre Kerr netted the lone goal for Toronto.

The result lifted New York to seventh place in the Eastern Conference with eight points from five matches. Meanwhile, Toronto’s early-season struggles continued, as they remain second from the bottom with just one point. The Canadian side has now suffered four defeats in five games, a worrying start that suggests a long and difficult season for their fans.

First Half: A Struggle for the Hosts

The Red Bulls entered the match severely depleted, missing 10 players. Lewis Morgan, Cam Harper, Kyle Duncan, Mohammed Sofo, Roald Mitchell, and Marcelo Morales were sidelined due to injuries, while Carlos Coronel, Omar Valencia, Dennis Gjengaar, Tanner Rosborough, and Aidan Stokes were away on international duty. As a result, New York’s first-half performance left much to be desired.

Despite dominating possession, the hosts failed to create many clear chances. The breakthrough finally came in the 44th minute, when the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) awarded a penalty after spotting a foul on Raheem Edwards inside the box. Forsberg calmly converted from the spot, sending the 18,185 fans in attendance into celebration.

Second Half: Red Bulls Waste Chances but Find a Late Winner

The second half saw a shift in the game’s tempo, with the Red Bulls squandering multiple opportunities to extend their lead.

As the saying goes, “if you don’t take your chances, you’ll get punished.” That’s exactly what happened in the 70th minute. Former Red Bulls player Derrick Etienne Jr. delivered a pinpoint cross to Kerr, who directed a header over debutant goalkeeper AJ Marcucci to level the match.

Just as they did against Orlando City in the previous round, New York responded swiftly. In the 75th minute, after a well-worked passing sequence involving Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Felipe Carballo, the ball fell perfectly for Forsberg to slot home his second goal of the night, restoring the Red Bulls’ lead.

Late Dismissal for Felipe Carballo

Deep into stoppage time, Red Bulls midfielder Felipe Carballo saw red for dissent. The Uruguayan was initially booked for a foul but continued arguing with referee Jon Freeman, who wasted no time in sending him off.

What’s Next for New York Red Bulls and Toronto FC?

The New York Red Bulls will be back in action on Saturday (29) when they visit the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium. On the same day, Toronto FC will host the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Starting Lineups - New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC

New York Red Bulls: A.J. Marcucci; Raheem Edwards, Noah Eile, Sean Nealis, Alexander Hack, Dylan Nealis; Peter Stroud (Felipe Carballo, 65’), Daniel Edelman, Emil Forsberg (Tim Parker, 91’); Wiki Carmona (Serge Ngoma, 66’), (Ronald Donkor, 88’), Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.

Toronto FC: Sean Johnson; Henry Wingo (Kosi Thompson), Kevin Long, Zane Monlouis (Sigurd Rosted), Nickoen Gomis (Kobe Franklin, 72’), Raoul Petretta (Derrick Etienne Jr., 56’); Matty Longstaff, Alonso Coello, Lorenzo Insigne; Markus Cimermancic (Deandre Kerr, 56’), Federico Bernardeschi.

Highlights: New York Red Bulls vs Toronto FC