Things didn’t go Toronto FC’s way for most of tonight’s match. While they were on the front foot, New York City FC proved to be a difficult opponent in more than one way in the opening match of the Eastern Conference semi-final.
After realising early on that Toronto was going to have the majority of possession and chances in the match, New York regressed to a cynical style of play. They tripped, prodded, goaded, tugged and kicked out at TFC players all night long, resulting in five yellow cards.
Bullying Toronto FC has been a successful tactic for New York City before, a club that had never lost to TFC going into tonight.