RECAP: Forsberg Late Goal Grabs Win Over Toronto

New York Red Bulls captain Emil Forsberg scored twice in their 2-1 win over Toronto FC on Saturday night to remain undefeated at Sports Illustrated Stadium in 2025. The Swedish superstar scored from the penalty spot in the first half and then from the run of play, lifting a Red Bulls team that controlled possession but had issues creating chances throughout most of the game.

The first half saw New York control the game with precise passing and timely defending. Despite all of their time on the ball they generated just one shot on target halfway through the first frame. It wasn’t until Raheem Edwards was taken down in the box that Red Bulls had their first real chance at taking the lead. Initially, the foul wasn’t called on the field but video review came back in the home team’s favor. Forsberg converted the chance, rewarding New York for their efforts.

Much of the same happened early into the second half. Toronto found few chances and Red Bulls controlled the pace. It wasn’t until the inclusion of former New York player Derrick Etienne Jr. that the game opened up for the away side. A run in the 69th minute led to a cross that was finished by Deandre Kerr via a strong header.

Not to be outdone, the designated players made the difference. Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting held up the ball in the 77th minute before finding Felipe Carballo. A pass to the feet of Forsberg saw him clear in on goal where he converted for his third goal of the season. The goal crushed Toronto’s hopes of gathering a point, handing them yet another loss.

The end of the game didn’t lack drama as Carballo received consecutive yellow cards in short order, putting Red Bulls on the defensive for the final minutes of stoppage time. Still, the team was able to keep their composure to lock in their second road win of the season.

New York grabbed their second win of the season, increasing their point total after five games to eight. They sit in fifth place in the Eastern Conference, tied on points with rivals NYCFC and Nashville SC. Next week they take to the road to play beleaguered fellow 96ers New England Revolution.

STARTING XI:

New York Red Bulls: Marcucci; D. Nealis, S. Nealis, Eile, Hack, Stroud (65′ Carballo), Carmona (65′ Ngoma)(88′ Donkor), Forsberg (90′ Parker), Edwards, Choupo-Moting

Toronto FC: Johnson; Wingo (46′ Thompson), Gomis (71′ Franklin) , Monlouis (46′ Rosted), Long, Petretta (56′ Etienne Jr.), Longstaff, Coello, Insigne, Cimermancic (56′ Kerr), Bernadeschi.

SCORING SUMMARY:
44′ (New York Red Bulls) Emil Forsberg (2) – PK
69′ (Toronto FC) Deandre Kerr (1) assisted by Derrick Etienne Jr. & Lorenzo Insigne
77′ (New York Red Bulls) Emil Forsberg (3) assisted by Felipe Carballo & Eri Maxim Choupo-Moting


DISCIPLINE:
24′ (Toronto FC) Matthew Longstaff – YELLOW CARD
45′ (Toronto FC) Raoul Petretta – YELLOW CARD
45′ (Toronto FC) Federico Bernadeschi – YELLOW CARD
73′ (Toronto FC) Derrick Etienne Jr. – YELLOW CARD
73′ (New York Red Bulls) Serge Ngoma – YELLOW CARD
90′ (New York Red Bulls) Felipe Carballo – YELLOW CARD
90′ (New York Red Bulls) Felipe Carballo – RED CARD