Late Giovinco Goal Gives Toronto FC Opening Day Win Over New York Red Bulls

For the third year in a row Toronto FC have opened their season with a memorable victory. This time it was a 2-0 win over the defending Supporter's Shield champions, the New York Red Bulls.

Sebastian Giovinco had the winning goal on a penalty kick in the 80th minute, and Marky Delgado would add an insurance goal late in the match. Clint Irwin would have a clean sheet in his first match with Toronto.

The first half was largely a feeling out process between the two teams, as one would expect seeing as it was the first game of the MLS season. New York were able to find their legs quicker and pressured Toronto towards the end of the half, coming close on a few occasions.

Ultimately, however the two teams would go into the first half scoreless. The New York Red Bulls would have the vast majority of possession, as Toronto struggled to do anything of substance on the ball.

The second half was much the same, as the Red Bulls looked to get their season off to a winning start at home. They would put Toronto's new look backline under pressure for most of the half.

The backline, despite some nervy moments, would hold, thanks in part to poor execution in the final third from the home side. As the half went on Toronto would gain confidence and would start to move the ball forward.

In the 80th minute Toronto would find an unlikely breakthrough. Rookie Tsubasa Endoh would be taken down in the box by Red Bulls defender Kemar Lawrence. Sebastian Giovinco would step up to the penalty spot and give Toronto a 1-0 lead.

With the Red Bulls pouring everything forward, Toronto FC would go for the jugular in the 90th minute. Sebastian Giovinco would play the ball through the middle and put Marky Delgado in all alone. Delgado would make no mistake, putting the game to bed and Toronto FC up 2-0.

This win will certainly give Toronto confidence going into the remaining seven games of their season opening road trip. The club will be looking to sweep New York when they take on New York City FC on the 13th at 5 p.m.