New York City FC Goals: Fernández Mercau 9' (PK)
Toronto FC Goals: Mihailović 45+7'
Quick Read
New York City FC were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC after surrendering an early lead at Yankee Stadium. Nico Fernández Mercau's first-half penalty was canceled out by Djordje Mihailović before the break. Despite dominating much of the second half and creating a string of chances, Pascal Jansen's side could not find a decisive winner.
Match Recap
New York City FC returned to the Bronx on Friday night to host Toronto FC.
Head Coach Pascal Jansen named an unchanged side following the 3-1 victory over the Chicago Fire, and that decision paid early dividends as the hosts won a penalty in the sixth minute.
The move began with a wonderful lofted pass in behind from Benié Traoré that picked out Agustín Ojeda. The Argentine drove into the penalty area but was pulled back by Richie Laryea before he could get a shot away.
Nico Fernández Mercau stepped up from the spot and, after a lengthy delay, confidently dispatched his penalty into the bottom-right corner for his 13th MLS goal of the season.
New York City threatened again in the 16th minute through Talles Magno. The Brazilian, who has been in fine form of late, cut inside onto his right foot but saw his effort blocked by Jackson Gilman.
Six minutes later, Jonathan Shore tried his luck from distance after being afforded time and space, but his effort was also blocked.
Toronto continued to pose a threat, and after Daniel Salloi fired wide in the 34th minute, they created danger from a long throw moments later. The delivery caused chaos inside the penalty area as Walker Zimmerman attempted to head the ball back across goal.
Thankfully, Matt Freese was on hand to gather the loose ball before attempting to launch a quick counterattack that ultimately came to nothing.
The visitors finished the half strongly, forcing Nico Cavallo to stay alert when Theo Corbeanu drove at the defender, cut inside, and got a shot away that Cavallo blocked.
Toronto found an equalizer in first-half stoppage time after a misplaced back pass sent Josh Sargent through on goal. His initial effort was blocked, and although Freese denied Salloi's follow-up, there was nothing he could do to prevent Djordje Mihailović from bundling home the rebound.
New York City started the second half brightly and fashioned an early chance through Traoré. Tayvon Gray delivered an inviting cross, but the forward could not keep his header on target.
The hosts went close again moments later from a corner. First, Talles Magno forced an excellent save from Luka Gavran with a header. Andrés Perea then saw his follow-up tipped onto the post before Ojeda fired the loose ball across the face of goal, where it struck Talles Magno and bounced harmlessly wide.
Jansen's side continued to build momentum, and James Sands nearly restored the lead in the 56th minute with a well-struck volley inside the area that Gavran tipped behind for a corner.
New York City made their first changes just after the hour mark as Malachi Jones and Hannes Wolf—making his 100th appearance for the club—replaced Ojeda and Traoré.
Fernández Mercau then flashed a shot just wide of the post in the 69th minute after some neat play on the edge of the area.
Further changes followed a minute later as Máximo Carrizo replaced Talles Magno.
Toronto thought they had taken the lead soon afterward when Derrick Etienne Jr. pulled the ball back for Salloi to finish emphatically, but the offside flag denied the visitors.
Perea, now operating as the lone striker, continued to find dangerous positions. After seeing one effort blocked in the 80th minute, he forced Gavran into another strong save with a powerful strike from distance.
Jansen turned to his bench for the final time in the 86th minute, introducing Mitja Ilenič and Seymour Reid in place of Thiago Martins and Fernández Mercau.
The two substitutes nearly combined for a dramatic winner. Ilenič found Reid before continuing his run, and the forward returned the pass. Ilenič's ambitious first-time volley narrowly missed the target.
New York City came close once more shortly afterward when Jones pulled the ball back for Wolf. A last-second deflection took the ball away from the Austrian, preventing him from making clean contact as the chance drifted away.
That would prove to be the last home chance of the night as New York City FC were forced to settle for a point at home against Toronto.
How We Lined Up
What's Next
New York City FC compete in Leagues Cup action next. Check back to www.newyorkcityfc.com for more information.
