The New York Red Bulls dropped the opening leg of the Eastern Conference Semifinals at Red Bull Arena against Toronto FC, 2-1.
New York needs a win by a margin of two goals or more in Toronto to advance to the Conference Finals.
Additionally, a 2-1 Red Bulls win is the only scoreline that could force extra time in the second leg on Sunday.
TFC’s Victor Vazquez opened the scoring early for the visitors in the 8th minute, only to be answered in the final seconds of the first half by Daniel Royer.
Bradley Wright-Phillips was brought down in the penalty area in the 45th minute and earned a penalty kick for New York. Royer stepped up to the spot and buried the PK to tie the match with the final kick of the half.
In the second half, New York pressed for a second goal, but were unable to find the back of the net before Sebastian Giovinco buried the game-winning free kick in the 72nd minute.
The Red Bulls head to BMO Field for the second leg of the conference semifinals on Sunday, November 5 at 3 p.m. ET (TV: ESPN, RADIO: New York Red Bulls Radio on Tunein in English and Spanish).
Goals
TOR: Victor Vazquez 8’
NY: Daniel Royer (PK) 45’+3’
TOR: Sebastian Giovinco 72’
