



With DP Jozy Altidore and Canadian Jonathan Osorio out, Toronto found themselves playing a weakened side against newly realized mega-rival New York City FC, who shocked many by not starting any DPs. After some weak early defending, Toronto rebounded thanks to a Will Johnson goal that happened to be Sebastian Giovinco free. But with some great keeping by Josh Saunders and a solid back line, Toronto had to settle for a point. TFC v NYCFC ESSU On-The-Go. Open Player in a New Window | Subscribe | iTunes | MP3 The Opening 45

Despite starting strong and controlling the ball for much of the half, Toronto found themselves struggling to create chances early on against the starless visitors. Toronto's defense continued to look wonky at home, out of place with a number of poor passes, and it didn't take NYC, who actually looked quite good without their Designated Players, long to take advantage. In the 15th minute NYC's Kwadwo Poku blasted a shot passed both Steven Beitashour and Clint Irwin to put NYC on the board. Luckily, despite some weak defending at times, Toronto kept NYC's chances to a minimum. On the offensive front, Toronto couldn't make their chances connect. Saunders seemed to have Giovinco's number in this half shutting him down twice and Mo Babouli, Tsubasa Endoh and Jay Chapman struggled to get shots off. Toronto finally found the back of the net in the 42nd minute when Babouli fed the ball to Josh Williams whose rebound was tapped in by Will Johnson making it 1-1 just in time for half-time and giving Toronto its first Giovinco-free goal of 2016. It's not a bad result. But Toronto really should have won today. Had a lot of chances to get the winner. #TFCLive — Mitchell Tierney (@mitchelltierney) May 19, 2016 When all is said and done, we’ll look back and say “yep, this was a game that was played”. #TFCLive — Daniel Squizzato (@DanielSquizzato) May 19, 2016

The Second Half

While the defensive holes were mostly taken care of and Toronto maintained control for most of the half, they struggled to get shots on target and when they did, Saunders was there to stop them. The Puerto Rican internationaler shut down everyone from Johnson to Chapman and looked like a green door (due to his jersey colour) that no one on TFC seemed to have the key to get behind in the second half. He and the NYC backline kept Toronto out to hold on for the draw. But the story of the half was not on the field. It was Italian Heritage night and BMO happened to be sold out with Italian national team fans wanting to see Italian stars Giovinco and Andrea Pirlo. While Toronto started Giovinco, NYC kept their DPs out of the starting XI. As the second half wore on, NYC coach Patrick Vieira began subbing off players and with his third and final sub he had David Villa enter the match to a sea of boos as Pirlo sat on the bench. Toronto's Italian fanbase was not pleased and fuel was added to this growing rivalry for Toronto fans. In this writer's opinion, New York City FC has become, in its short history, Toronto FC's greatest rival. Man of the Match

Will Johnson equalizes. pic.twitter.com/zjPS41uwmJ — Total MLS (@TotalMLS) May 18, 2016

Will Johnson

Johnson continues to show off his amazing work rate and win the love of TFC fans. His goal definitely was the Toronto moment of the match, if not the week. Mo Babouli also deserves some credit for his shaky yet stand out performance. Who was your TFC Man of the Match?

Toronto FC Lineup



Irwin; Morrow, Moor, Perquis, Beitashour; Bradley, Johnson, Delgado, Endoh; Giovinco, Altidore.



Subs: Osorio for Delgado (57), Williams for Endoh (90+1’)