Sebastian Giovinco was at it again Monday night, scoring another free kick and lifting Toronto FC to a 2-1 Eastern Conference semifinal first-leg win over the New York Red Bulls.
Victor Vazquez got the Canadian outfit on the board inside 10 minutes, finishing off a rebound after Jozy Altidore's cross was pushed out near the penalty spot by New York goalkeeper Luis Robles.
Started by Jozy. Finished by Vazquez. #NYvTOR // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/cqbwvdT0fw
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 30, 2017
The home side got back level just before the break.
Drew Moor was somewhat controversially called for a foul on Bradley Wright-Phillips in the penalty area and Daniel Royer scored from the spot to get his team back on even terms.
Right. Down. The. Middle.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 31, 2017
Royer ties it up from the spot! 1-1. #NYvTOR // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/4M2ZzmigQV
Then Giovinco stepped in.
After drawing a foul just outside the New York box, the MLS all-time leader in free-kick goals curled one home past Robles, who was slow to react, sealing a victory for the top seed.
Seba. Free kick. 💰 #NYvTOR // @Audi #MLSCupPlayoffs https://t.co/VELsGxQfUb
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) October 31, 2017
The two sides will meet again for the second leg Sunday at BMO Field in Toronto.