Frank Lampard scores first MLS goal; NYCFC beats Toronto FC 2-0

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Another early goal cost Toronto FC.

Frank Lampard scored his first MLS goal and New York City FC beat Toronto FC 2-0 on Wednesday night to end a three-game losing streak.

Lampard, a former Chelsea and Manchester City midfielder, scored in the 20th minute. He settled RJ Allen’s back-pass with his chest and rolled in a goal through traffic to send Toronto (11-13-4) to its third straight loss.

“We’ve gone down relatively early in a number of games lately,” said Toronto captain Michael Bradley. “There’s no time to feel sorry for ourselves. To look at the other results, the standings, this, that. It’s about continuing to work and getting ourselves back home in front of our own fans in our own stadium and getting ourselves back on track.”

New York City (8-14-7) won its first game since Aug. 13.

Lampard spent 13 seasons with Chelsea, won three Premier League titles and scored 176 goals in 599 games.

Patrick Mullins headed in Andrea Pirlo’s corner kick in the 77th.

“Until they scored the second goal on the corner kick, up until then we are still in it and creating chances,” said TFC head coach Greg Vanney. “A few too many times they are able to find that guy and relieve pressure. All in all we need to work harder collectively. Dig down and defend better collectively. Work a little harder, go a couple yards more when we need to.

“We’ve left a lot of opportunities on the table these last few games.”

Josh Saunders had a diving save of Sebastian Giovinco’s deflected free kick in the 62nd minute and he punched Bradley’s shot from distance over the crossbar in the 70th.

“You have to give credit to their goalkeeper,” said Bradley. “They had a number of really good plays in terms of saves and dealing with crosses and dangerous balls in the box. It’s frustrating for sure. We let a few more points slip away.