Ismael Tajouri-Shradi put the team on his back this weekend as NYCFC toughed out a win against a shorthanded but scrappy Toronto side.
The Libyan winger’s left foot was on full display with his first goal, which was a nice give-and-go from Villa to put the Blues up 2-1 at BMO Field.
Tajouri then took matters into his own hands after Toronto equalized and seemed to be approaching a draw. When an errant headed clearance from a Toronto defender landed right in the path of Isi, who then cleanly and powerfully struck the ball with his left foot.
The ball careened off the right post and into the net past the keeper's reach.
Game over.
In the postgame presser, Tajouri-Shradi mentioned how important his contribution was:
“Today was a good day for me and the team of course...and most importantly that I scored the three points”
With his brace, “Hardbody” became the first NYCFC player not named David Villa to lead the team in goals after an All-Star break. His performance also landed him on to the MLS Team of the Week.
As we go into into the final stretch of the regular season, it is going to be fun seeing so many players running into peak form for The Blues.
