NYCFC begin post-Patrick Vieira era with win vs. Toronto FC; David Villa injured

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:29 am

Jo Inge Berget scored twice as New York City FC began the Domenec Torrent era with a 2-1 victory against Toronto FC on Sunday at Yankee Stadium.

As new coach Torrent entered, star forward David Villa exited with an undisclosed injury in the 28th minute for NYCFC. Villa has eight goals and four assists in 12 games.

After Victor Vazquez scored in the 37th minute for Toronto, Berget got the equalizer in the 51st and the go-ahead marker in the 68th.

NYCFC goalkeeper Sean Johnson denied Tosaint Ricketts and the rebound by Sebastian Giovinco in the first minute of stoppage time to preserve the win.

Torrent replaced Patrick Vieira, whose last match was a 1-1 tie against Atlanta United on June 9. Vieira left to become the coach of OGC Nice in France. Torrent arrived from Spain in time to run his first practice on Saturday.

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Berget, who has three goals, put NYCFC on top by converting a leading pass from Maxi Moralez on the right side and shooting past goalkeeper Alex Bono to the far post.

Vazquez continued his recent fine form with his third goal in the past four games to stake TFC to the lead. He ran onto a flighted ball out of the back by Auro that landed at the edge of the penalty area.

Johnson hesitated coming off the line and the indecision was costly as Vazquez chipped the ball over him for his fifth goal.

Berget made it 1-1 with a back-heel from the middle of the box with Jesus Medina, who replaced Villa, getting the assist.

NYCFC was minus Ronald Matarrita and Rodney Wallace, who are playing for Costa Rica in the World Cup.

New York City plays the Fire in Chicago on Saturday. Toronto FC hosts the New York Red Bulls on July 1.