Red Bulls Earn Hard Fought Victory Over Toronto FC, 2-1

Published: Sunday, March 23, 2025

by Kyle Ferreira

HARRISON, N.J. - The New York Red Bulls (2-1-2) remain unbeaten in their last four games following a 2-1 win vs Toronto FC (0-4-1), Saturday.

Following their match vs Orlando City SC last Saturday, head coach Sandro Schwarz emphasized how displeased he was on the final ten minutes. Arguably, New York needed to start their match against Toronto with more composure, make smarter decisions, and convert on their chances.  

On paper the matchup seemed to favor New York. Toronto’s backline had struggled early in the season, and “The Reds” had not won in the regular season in Harrison since March 2016.  

However, with players on international duty and others still injured, the starting XI was rearranged again. The first ten minutes showed that.  

While New York dominated possession, they had one shot. But as the first half progressed, the Red Bulls had their chances. In the 32nd minute, captain Emil Forsberg directed one into the box and Noah Eile’s header went over the Toronto net. Three minutes later, Raheem Edwards had a great opportunity to convert, but nothing arose for New York.  

But a glimmer of light would appear for the Red Bulls towards the end of the first half. After no foul was originally called against Henry Wingo for taking down Edwards in the 38th minute, VAR was implemented.

The call was reversed and the Red Bulls were awarded a penalty. New York capitalized on the penalty kick in the 44th minute when Forsberg knocked it in for the score. In his only appearance vs Toronto last season on October 2., Forsberg had two goal contributions against them.  

The Red Bulls would enter halftime leading 1-0. For Toronto, their chances in the final-third were stifled by the Red Bulls backline, aiding goalkeeper AJ Marcucci in his first MLS start.  

The second half began possession heavy for the Red Bulls, utilizing their own pace and controlling the game. Even during a chilly evening that saw drizzles of rain appear, the supporters cheered hard at every point.

Things got interesting in the 70th minute when Toronto’s sub Deandre Kerr scored to tie it at one apiece.

But minutes later, Forsberg would earn his brace with his second goal to help the Red Bulls retake the lead in the 76th minute. Coming into today’s match, New York’s captain had six goal contributions over his last seven appearances.

The Red Bulls would get through the final minutes unlike their last match and earn their second win of this season, winning 2-1. Their win would also see Tim Parker sub on and appear in a Red Bulls match for the first time since 2020.  

The postgame press conference would see a lot of enthusiasm from the squad, especially towards their 25-year-old goalie, Marcucci. Speaking about his first MLS start, he felt confident in himself.

“I was ready for the moment. It was good. Sometimes you get butterflies and stuff like that so a little bit before, but after that it was all good once the clock started going down.”  

Defender Alexander Hack was also happy in helping his teammate earn his first league win.

“Happy for AJ,” Hack said. “Today was a victory for him and he deserves it very much.”

For the Red Bulls, they will head up to Massachusetts next Saturday to face the New England Revolution on March 29.  

Kyle Ferreira can be reached at kyle.ferreira@student.shu.edu. 

 

Posted in: sports,