Two late goals, a Sebastian Giovinco penalty kick and counterattack finish from Marky Delgado, spoiled the New York Red Bulls’ home opener, as 80 minutes of dominance by the hosts went to waste as Toronto FC opening their eight-game road trip with three road points.
The Red Bulls began the day with a Supporters’ Shield banner ceremony before the Reds put a damper on proceedings despite missing injured Designated Player and US national team striker Jozy Altidore (hamstring).
New York appeared poised to earn an opening-day result until Kemar Lawrence bowled over rookie Tsubasa Endoh from behind in the 81st minute. Giovinco, the reigning Landon Donovan Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner, stepped to the penalty spot and went low and hard to the goalkeeper’s right to notch his first goal of 2016.
Delgado added a second in second-half stoppage time as Giovinco played provider, slipping the US youth international in on goal for a simple finish into the bottom corner.
Box Score
- 82' -- TOR -- Sebastian Giovinco (Penalty)
- 90+1' -- TOR -- Marky Delgado (Sebastian Giovinco)
- Full box score
- Stats
Three Things
GIOVINCO PICKS UP WHERE HE LEFT OFF:For 80 minutes, the Atomic Ant was mostly silent. But given a sliver of space, Giovinco made the Red Bulls pay twice, bending in the cross that drew the 81st-minute penalty kick before finishing it off himself then feeding Delgado to ice the game. He also made social-media headlines with a chopper-inspired celebration.
SLOW START TO SHIELD DEFENSE: The Red Bulls raised their 2015 Supporters' Shield banner before the match, their second such trophy in a three-year period (2015, 2013). Not to be South Ward honored Jesse Marsch's squad with this pregame tifo.
Next Up
- NY: Saturday 3/12 at Montreal Impact (4 pm ET, MLS LIVE)
- TOR: Sunday 3/13 at New York City FC (5 pm ET, ESPN2)
