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The New York Red Bulls scored early and often in a 3-0 win over Toronto FC. It was the biggest loss that Toronto FC has suffered all season, and leaves an unsavoury feeling around the club heading into the Copa America break.
Bradley Wright-Phillips had all three goals for the New York Red Bulls. He now has eight goals on the year, putting him in a tie at the top of the MLS goalscoring table.
Bradley Wright-Phillips had all three goals for the New York Red Bulls. He now has eight goals on the year, putting him in a tie at the top of the MLS goalscoring table.
The nightmare started just four minutes into the match for Toronto FC. Felipe won a freekick on the outside of the Toronto area, and Sacha Kljestan's ball found Wright-Phillips all alone in the box. It was yet another strong start for the Red Bulls, who were fresh off a 7-0 drubbing of New York City FC.
Things only got worse in the 22nd minute when Sebastian Giovinco limped off the pitch and signalled for a substitution. The Italian was replaced by Ashtone Morgan, and has suffered an adductor injury. The severity of the injury is not known at this time.
Without Giovinco on the pitch, New York continued their domination. Three minutes after Giovinco left for the dressing room, Kljestan again found Wright-Phillips in front of the Toronto goal. The New York striker made it 2-0.
Two minutes later he would score again, this time, off service from Mike Grella. It was the fastest hat trick in Major League Soccer history, coming just 27 minutes into the match. It gave New York a 3-0 first half lead, the biggest lead a team has had on Toronto FC all season.
The only hope Toronto was given in the first half came when New York designated played Gonzalo Veron was sent off. Veron made an odd two-footed jumping challenge on Marky Delgado, one which instantly brought out the red card.
Toronto had an early chance to get on the scoreboard in the second half when Delgado was brought down in the penalty area. However, after being forced to retake the penalty because of encroachment, Will Johnson's shot was stopped by Luis Robles in the New York net.
Despite being up a man, Toronto FC created precious little afterwards, and will leave New York with plenty to think about ahead of their midweek Voyageurs Cup match against the Montreal Impact. This loss now means there is a good chance Toronto FC drop out of a playoff spot by the end of the weekend.