New York City FC secures a 1-0 victory over Toronto FC, with the winning goal controversially scored from a questionable penalty kick in the 64th minute.
Shaky Toronto FC struggles to find the net
Toronto, Ontario — Toronto FC's defense is starting to shape up, but their offense leaves much to be desired. After yet another scoreless performance, TFC fell to New York City FC 1-0 at blustery BMO Field, leaving them without a victory at home this season.
Unable to convert opportunities into goals for the third time in five games, Alonso Martinez converted a controversial penalty for the decisive goal, extending New York's unbeaten run against TFC to three straight matches.
Despite tightening up defensively, conceding just three goals in their last five matches, TFC's attack remains a work in progress. A season-high 12 shots on target in Saturday's game proved fruitless as Sean Johnson came up big for New York City FC.
Toronto's woes at home continue, with their last victory coming on September 14 of last year. The valuable points gained from an improved defense will have to suffice for now, as the team transitions into a new era with their offense.
Coach Robin Fraser acknowledges the need to refine their attacking strategy:
"We're still trying to fine-tune our attack to turn decent opportunities into real scoring chances. It's where we are in the process of this build. We started off by really focusing on making ourselves difficult to play against, and we've done that. But now it's time to score goals."
Saturday's rugged conditions mirrored the team's struggles, with both teams mustering only one shot on target each in the first half, played with a 35 km/h wind at New York's back. Toronto fared no better with the wind advantage in the second half, with their lone shot on target coming in the opening minutes.
The penalty call that led to Martinez's winning goal brought further frustration for TFC, as they have yet to receive consistent favor from the referee's whistle this season. The team was left to ponder what might have been with a few more breaks going their way.
Toronto's offensive woes aren't limited to this season, as they haven't scored in 349 minutes at BMO Field. The lone goal at home this season came from Deandre Kerr, who is currently injured.
The team will need to find inspiration from somewhere, as seven of their next eight games and nine of the next 11 are at BMO Field. If they can't find their scoring touch at home, therest of the season could prove challenging.
Toronto's offensive issues aren't just down to bad luck, though. A misaligned strategic approach and a midfield that hasn't effectively supported the front line are also contributing factors. Matty Longstaff, who has struggled to secure a starting spot, and talented attackers like Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi have found it tough to make an impact.
Toronto FC's recent struggles are a continuation of their issues in scoring goals throughout the 2025 MLS season. With a new coach and a roster reshaped by offseason acquisitions, Fraser and company will need to find a solution soon to keep Toronto's postseason aspirations alive.
- Despite Seattle Johnson's impressive performance, Toronto FC's offensive struggles persist, evident in their 349 minutes without scoring a goal at home.
- The controversial penalty call that resulted in Alonso Martinez's deciding goal against Toronto FC mirrors the team's frustrating run of inconsistent favor from referees this season.
- Toronto's offense continues to be a work in progress, with Coach Robin Fraser acknowledging the need to fine-tune their attack and turn decent opportunities into real scoring chances.
- The rugged wind conditions during the game against New York City FC were a metaphor for Toronto FC's offensive woes, as both teams struggled to find their stride, with only one shot on target each in the first half.
