Giovinco salvages MLS draw for Toronto against New York City
Reigning Major League Soccer Most Valuable Player Sebastian Giovinco's 76th-minute strike gave Toronto a 2-2 draw against New York City FC at Yankee Stadium.
Giovinco was key to Toronto's comeback from an 0-2 deficit on Sunday, setting up Damien Perquis's goal moments before halftime and firing home a left-footed strike to equalize.
New York City had stormed to an early lead thanks to a brace by David Villa.
The Spaniard opened the scoring with a penalty in the 24th minute, his shot from the spot giving Toronto keeper Clint Irwin no chance after Tony McNamara had been fouled in the penalty area.
Villa's second, four minutes later, was nowhere near such a smooth affair. He controlled a loose ball after a free kick from team-mate Andrea Pirlo sparked a scramble in the Toronto goalmouth.
Video replays appeared to show the ball hit Villa's arm before his shot, but referee Alan Kelly let play continue.
The game was one of two on Sunday, when the San Jose Earthquakes defeated reigning MLS Cup champions Portland 2-1.
Chris Wondolowski in the 30th and Quincy Amarikwa floated in a shot from long-range in the 45th scored for the Earthquakes, who notched their second straight win to start the season.
Jack McInerney scored in the 89th for Portland.