New York City FC's Ismael Tajouri-Shradi strikes late to sink 10-man Toronto FC

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:29 am

Despite holding a man advantage for much of the game, visiting New York City FC needed a late goal from Ismael Tajouri-Shradi to clinch a 3-2 win over 10-man Toronto FC on Sunday at BMO Field.

In the 88th minute, Tajouri-Shradi's hard left-footed shot from outside the box flew into the net, finally putting NYCFC on top for good after the visitors twice surrendered leads earlier in the match.

The goal was Tajouri-Shradi's team-leading 10th of the season. His ninth was a grounder of a shot in the 36th minute that fooled Toronto goalkeeper Alex Bono.

Just 11 minutes into the match, Toronto was reduced to a 10-man lineup when Jozy Altidore received a red card for kicking NYCFC defender Alexander Callens in the back of the leg. Altidore will miss Toronto FC's next league game on Saturday at San Jose, and he could face further discipline beyond the mandatory one-game suspension due to the flagrant nature of his foul.

New York City FC immediately capitalized with the extra man, as forward David Villa marked his return to the lineup with a goal in the 15th minute. Villa, who missed the previous seven games due to a knee injury and suspension, now has eight goals in as many career matches against Toronto.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi
Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Sebastian Giovinco equalized for Toronto FC in the 27th minute, finding just enough space with three defenders closing on him to fire a shot in for his eighth goal of the season.

After Tajouri-Shradi put NYCFC back ahead, Toronto again evened the score in the 51st minute. A Jonathan Osorio pass across the box led to headers from Marky Delgado and Vazquez, the latter being a close-range shot for the goal.

NYCFC remains in third place in the Eastern Conference, level on points with the second-place New York Red Bulls but trailing on the first tiebreaker, most wins. Atlanta United is in first place with 48 points.

The result also ends Toronto FC's six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions. TFC sits in ninth place in the East, seven points off a playoff position.

Toronto defender Drew Moor entered the game as a substitute in the 71st minute, making his first appearance in a league game since April 14. Moor had been sidelined due to a quad tear.