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A makeshift New York City FC side was able to pull out a 1-1 draw with Toronto FC at BMO Field today. The sold out match saw Toronto FC in the driver's seat for most of the match. But after conceding early, they were only able to find the back of the net once in reply.
New York City started the match without David Villa or Andrea Pirlo in the lineup, but an early goal from Kwadwo Poku earned them a point. Will Johnson replied for Toronto FC off of a well-worked attack in the first half.
For the second time in as many games, Toronto FC gave up the opening goal. Poku curled the ball from the side of the box to make it 1-0 for New York City FC just 16 minutes into the match. It was the Ghanaians first goal of the season.
Toronto FC struggled to break down New York for the remainder of the half. Without Jozy Altidore in the lineup, Toronto had nobody to bring down their ball balls. As such, they provided very little service to their attacking players.
They finally found a breakthrough, however, in the 42nd minute. Following a corner, the ball fell to Mo Babouli at the top of the box. The Canadian played a brilliant ball across the box to Josh Williams who slid and deflected the ball to Johnson in the middle of the box. It was Johnson's second goal of the season.
Toronto FC pressed for the equaliser to start the second half, enjoying the lion's share of possession. Johnson had an excellent chance for his second of the match, but his shot dribbled into the hands of Josh Saunders.
Saunders would stop Toronto FC again in the 75th minute when Sebastian Giovinco's long shot deflected into the path of Jay Chapman. The New York keeper slid to stop Chapman's low driven effort to the near post.
It was the last major chance that Toronto FC got, however, as they would be forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against the now Eastern Conference-leading New York City. The draw moves Toronto FC level on points with the Philadelphia Union for third place in the Conference. TFC will need to quickly regroup for this weekend's match against the Columbus Crew.