David Villa scored a double, but Toronto's Sebastian Giovinco silenced the New York City FC supporters in a thrilling 2-2 draw in the MLS on Sunday.
Patrick Vieira began his reign as City coach with a 4-3 win away to the Chicago Fire on the opening day of the season and was looking to continue that form in front of the home crowd. Things started brightly for City at Yankee Stadium after star striker David Villa converted a spot kick to open the scoring in the 24th minute.
The former Spain international then doubled NYCFC's lead just four minutes later, but there was a tinge of controversy with the goal as the ball appeared to come off his arm before smashing past Toronto goalkeeper Clinton Irwin.
However, Toronto managed to get itself back into the game on the stroke of halftime when Damien Perquis got on the end of an inch-perfect Giovinco delivery.
The Italian international then scored a goal of his own with just less than 15 minutes left to play, a well-taken finish after some great build-up play out of defense from Toronto, with the game ending all square in New York.
Sebastian Giovinco ties the game up at 2 after great build up play out of the back from March 13, 2016
Later Sunday, the San Jose Earthquakes secured a 2-1 win over the 2015 MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers thanks to two first-half strikes.
Chris Wondolowski, who scored the winner in last week's 1-0 win over the Colorado Rapids, opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a trademark finish. It was 2-0 shortly before halftime thanks to a stunning goal from Quincy Amarikwa, chipping Timbers goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey from distance.
TAKE A BOW, . March 14, 2016
The home side maintained its advantage in the second, but a late goal from substitute Jack McInerney set up a tight finish. The Earthquakes managed to hold on to secure back-to-back wins to open the season.
