Giovinco has goal and assist, Toronto FC ties NYCFC 2-2

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Sebastian Giovinco scored in the 76th minute and Toronto FC tied New York City FC 2-2 on Sunday in the first game of the season at Yankee Stadium.

Giovinco, the reigning Landon Donovan MLS MVP, has two goals and two assists in two games this season.

“Yeah the mentality was very good, the response going down 2-0 was exactly what you want,” said TFC midfielder Michael Bradley. “In those ways we continue to move ourselves forward continue to build on we are trying to do and get ourselves ready for big game next week.”

David Villa scored on a penalty kick in the 24th minute for New York FC (1-0-1) and added another four minutes later for a 2-0 lead. Thomas McNamara was tripped just inside the corner of the box and Villa rolled the PK to the keeper’s right. After Toronto had several failed attempts to clear a free kick, Villa appeared to use an extended arm to control a loose ball but it wasn’t called and he sent in a goal.

Damien Perquis made it 2-1 in first-half stoppage time when he got a sliding touch on Giovinco’s free kick.

Giovinco took four touches to split three defenders and rolled in a tying shot from distance for Toronto FC (1-0-1).

“Yeah it’s a sign of the character of this squad I think obviously we don’t want to put ourselves down 2-0 anywhere but on the road, tough environment, against a good team, to fight back and to stay calm and maybe even have a chance to win it at the end is a good sign at this point of the season,” said Toronto defender Drew Moor.