Altidore, Ricketts score late to give TFC 1st-leg lead over NYCFC
Toronto FC heads to the Big Apple next weekend with a massive two-goal advantage after scoring twice late on Sunday in the Eastern Conference semifinals first leg against New York City FC.
Jozy Altidore was the deserved hero after another tireless playoff display resulted in a goal for the U.S. international. Altidore was the benefactor of sloppy defending from the visitors, roofing an 84th-minute finish to give TFC a first-leg advantage.
Canadian international Tosaint Ricketts made it two moments later, burying a rebound in the 92nd minute.
Related: Toronto FC scores twice late, heads to New York with commanding lead
A cagey first half highlighted by tough tackles and curious officiating was matched by an equally contentious second stanza where the number of fouls overshadowed the play on the pitch.
The first good chance fell to Toronto talisman Sebastian Giovinco, who waited a fraction too long before firing directly at City shot-stopper Eirik Johansen from close range ten minutes after the opening whistle.
Not bad for a second-choice 'keeper one week removed from his MLS debut who was a surprise inclusion over two-time MLS Cup winner Josh Saunders.
Related: Pirlo unavailable for Toronto FC clash with calf concern
Joining Saunders on the sidelines was Frank Lampard and Andrea Pirlo, with the latter missing out courtesy of a calf injury as Patrick Vieira opted for a squad without a single MLS playoff appearance.
Johansen was influential again five minutes before the interval when the towering Norwegian parried away Giovinco's dipping free-kick effort to keep the scoreline level.
The most dubious element of the opening half was courtesy of David Villa, who was lucky to escape punishment for a cynical foul on TFC's Armando Cooper in the 19th minute when the former Spanish international kicked the Panamanian from behind directly in front of match official Silvio Petrescu. No card.
MLS's Disciplinary Committee may fancy some retrospective justice on Villa.
Related - Watch: Villa escapes red card for blatant kick out at Toronto FC's Cooper
Cooper returned the favor minutes later, and this time Petrescu took notice, brandishing a yellow card for the enterprising midfielder.
Toronto will feel hard done by after a pair of calls early in the second half went NYCFC's way.
Justin Morrow's 51st-minute goal was disallowed after the ball narrowly glanced Altidore's fingertips, and a legitimate penalty claim went uncalled moments later when Drew Moor's face was the victim of a high boot in the goalmouth.
Like Villa in the first half, Mikey Lopez likely should have been sent of for a two-footed tackle on Steven Beithshour after a rare bit of dazzling dribbling from the TFC full-back. That non-call looked timid considering one minutes later where Altidore was manhandled in the area as the whistle stayed buried in Petrescu's pocket.
Altidore was rewarded for his work rate in the 84th minute, and after waiting 10 years to win its first playoff match, Toronto has now won twice in the span of five days.
It was nothing less than they deserved.