Quick Look…

Captain David Villa made his return after more than a month away due to injury, and Isi Tajouri-Shradi's brace lifted NYCFC into a tie for second place in the MLS Supporters Shield.

Villa went across the goal to score in the 15th minute, and the two sides would trade goals twice again before the Libyan winger struck the ball clean and true with this left foot to secure the win.

Match Recap...

After a disappointing draw at Yankee Stadium to the Vancouver Whitecaps at the start of August, City were determined not to lose ground on Atlanta United for the best record in the league.

David Villa’s return gave the team an offensive boost; Domènec Torrent’s side saw multiple changes on both the starting XI and bench for the Toronto trip.

Brad Stuver would again sit in goal as Sean Johnson continues to return to full health, and after the last road game in Seattle resulted in a loss, City wanted badly to win their fifth game in seven.

The first action at BMO Field occurred in the 9th minute as Toronto striker Jozy Altidore received a red card for an errant kick out on defender Alex Callens after the two were jostling for a ball that ultimately rolled off to the touchline. This immediately put the pressure on Toronto as they were a man down for the remaining 80+ mins of the game.

In the 15th minute, David Villa saw his name back on the scoresheet. After a strike was mishit from Anton Tinnerholm, the ball found itself at Villa's feet and after a touch, Villa went across the keeper to score his 9th goal of the season.

Sebastian Giovinco equalized for Toronto in the 27th minute. The Italian struck the ball across Stuver from just inside the 18-yard box.

However, the lead would not last long. The first of Ismael Tajouri-Shradi’s two goals happened nine minutes later, striking with his left foot from outside the box. The ball had too much pace for Toronto keeper Alex Bono, resulting in a 2-1 score going into the half.

Toronto equalized just after halftime - Victor Vasquez scored on a header just in front of goal. It would seem as if a second consecutive draw was in the cards for both teams.

City continued to apply pressure on the home team. Swaps for newly acquired winger Taty Castellanos and striker Jo Inge Berget would give the attack a different look as the match went on. Leading up to the final goal, Castellanos had two attempts that asked questions of Toronto’s back line.

In the end, it was the left foot of Isi that would deliver the final goal for NYC. An errant clearance from the Toronto defense left the ball on a platter for Tajouri-Shradi to net his tenth goal of the year with a booming volley.

NYCFC.com Star of the Game

Isi Tajouri-Shradi

When he scores, he scores in bunches.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi’s brace was invaluable as City needed to keep a grip on a possible Supporters Shield. His constant pressure throughout the game on either side of the pitch kept Toronto defenders honest, and ultimately that pressure paid off.

Social Post of the Match…

Stats and Milestones

David Villa returns to score his ninth goal of the year
Isi Tajouri-Shradi is the team’s top goal scorer with ten
NYCFC have won 5 out of their last 7 matches

How They Lined Up..

NYCFC XI: Stuver, Tinnerholm, Ibeagha, Callens, Matarrita, Ofori, Ring, Moralez, Medina, Tajouri-Shradi, Villa

NYCFC Subs: Caldwell, Chanot, Sweat, Wallace, Berget, Castellanos, McNamara

What’s Next

A quick ride down I-95 to Philly is in order as the Boys in Blue take on the Philadelphia Union this Saturday, August 18. Our next home game follows as the final Hudson River Derby of the season takes place on 8/22. Get your tickets at NYCFC.com/Tickets or by clicking the banner below!

Tommie Battle

david villa etihad airways match recap Ismael Tajouri

Match Recap: Toronto 2-3 NYCFC