Emil Forsberg scored from the penalty spot and from the run of play to lead the New York Red Bulls to a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC.
Forsberg converted a penalty in the first half following a tripping foul on Raheem Edwards to put New York up 1-0 heading into halftime at Sports Illustrated Stadium.
"We can see today the whole quality of Emil," Head Coach Sandro Schwarz said. "First of all, in our pressing behavior that he's working so hard and that he's attacking the opponent, and especially this quality with the ball, as a leader, he wants in every situation the ball. Then, with deep runs -- and this was the main part, the main topic for this week -- and he showed this very well. It's great to see him every day in our facility, in our training session, in our locker room, and then to see him, as well, on match day."
Toronto was able to strike back and draw even midway through the second half, completing a cross into the box into the back of the net.
New York went back on top moments later, with Forsberg finding space in behind in the box and slipping the shot past Toronto's keeper for the game-winner.
"I think overall, it was a good team performance," Forsberg said."We dominated the game well. We had the ball, searched for solutions, and even though they were standing deep, we controlled the game. Our work with and without the ball was strong. Big props to the team for bouncing back after they equalized on their first real chance. The mentality we showed was great and something we can build on.
Forsberg scored his second and third MLS goals of the season and the 11th and 12th of his MLS career. The midfielder has recorded four goal contributions in two career MLS matches against Toronto FC.
Forsberg has converted all six MLS regular season penalty kicks he has taken for New York.
The Swedish international recorded the third career multi-goal game of his MLS career. Forsberg has recorded eight goal contributions in his last eight MLS regular season matches.
A.J. Marcucci made his first career MLS appearance and start in tonight’s match. Marcucci recorded his first win for the Red Bulls.
"Today he showed us very well in his first game in the MLS, and that's great, to see him, and to give him these three points," Schwarz said.
Sean Nealis made his 140th career MLS appearance, which moved him into sole possession of third place in franchise history for most MLS appearances by a defender passing Aaron Long.
New York have posted a 18-2-2 mark against Toronto FC at home in regular season history, including extending their home winning streak against Toronto to eight matches.
Felipe Carballo recieved two yellow cards in the match and will miss the team's next match.
New York head on the road to Gillette Stadium on Saturday, March 29 to face the New England Revolution.
"he chemistry in the team is fantastic," Forsberg said. "We are having fun together, working hard, and pushing to improve every game. After last season, we knew we had to do more, and I think we are doing that. Every game, every day, we are getting better, especially in the attacking half. That second goal—one or two quick touches and getting in behind—is the kind of play we are working towards. It looks promising, and I feel great."
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. ET with coverage on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV in English and Spanish and New York Red Bulls Radio presented by Sports Illustrated in English via the New York Red Bulls app and NewYorkRedBulls.com.
