The Red Bulls won the Supporters’ Shield last year and are favored to hoist the MLS Cup this year. But the season-opener sure didn’t go as planned, getting shut out 2-0 by Toronto FC.
They dominated possession most of the afternoon, but couldn’t do a thing with it. Meanwhile, despite a mostly solid performance from a defense that faced tons of questions, they imploded late and lost before 21,303 at Red Bull Arena.
Left back Kemar Lawrence was whistled for taking down Japanese rookie Tsubasa Endoh in the box in the 81st minute. Sebastian Giovinco stepped up to the penalty spot and buried his kick a minute later.