New York City FC kept their Leagues Cup hopes alive with a strong 5-0 home win over Toronto FC at Red Bull Arena. NYCFC took advantage of an injury-plagued Toronto and were clinical in front of goal. To add to the good feelings, Mounsef Bakrar scored his first goal for the club, and Matt Freese earned his first clean sheet of the season: Here are your NYCFC highlights.
NYCFC started the game strong, as Bakrar and Andres Jasson troubled Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson with early shots on goal. New York City finally found the breakthrough at the half-hour mark when captain Maxime Chanot headed in a cross from Santiago Rodríguez off the corner kick. Right before halftime, Bakrar and Rodriguez both found the back of the net to give NYCFC a comfortable 3-0 lead.
NYCFC 5 – 0 Toronto FC: Rate the Players
New York City continued their dominance in the second half. Jasson joined in on the scoring party, as he finished off a beautifully-worked team goal in the 56th minute. The scoring didn’t end there. In the 75th minute, Rodríguez calmly dribbled around Johnson to score his second of the night.
Toronto’s night got even worse, as Shane O’Neill was sent off in the 84th minute after a foul on Alfredo Morales.
Analysis: Is Mounsef Bakrar NYCFC’s answer at No 9?
NYCFC fans were definitely pleased with tonight’s display, as the team looked confident on the ball and threatening in attack. New York City’s +4 goal differential means they are now likely to advance to the knockout stages no matter the result when Atlas FC will face Toronto on Sunday, July 30, at 7:30 pm ET.
