Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls: Altidore shown red card for violent conduct

Ryan Young

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Toronto FC vs. New York Red Bulls: Altidore shown red card for violent conduct image

Familiarity can breed contempt, and perhaps that was the case late in the first half of the second leg of Toronto FC and New York Red Bull's MLS Playoff series.

Near the end of the first half, with the score tied 0-0, Toronto's Sebastian Giovinco dumped Tyler Adams in the midfield. Adams jumped to his feet to confront Giovinco, and things quickly escalated from their, with both teams converging on the spot. 

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As the fracas appeared to calm down, Jozy Altidore and New York's Sasha Kjlestan came together, and got into a brief altercation.

By halftime, the two were still engaged and got into it while leaving the field. Both Altidore and Kjlestan received a red card while in the tunnel, removing them from the game. 

Because they received a red card, both Kjlestan and Altidore would be ineligible for their respective team's next playoff match. The Red Bulls beat Toronto FC 1-0 behind a goal from Bradley Wright-Philips in the 53rd minute. However Toronto advances to the Eastern Conference Final on away goals. 

Giovinco suspended for first leg of Eastern Conference Final

Giovinco will join Altidore watching from afar in the Eastern Conference Final. Giovinco received a yellow card in the 80th minute on Sunday, his second in the series against the Red Bulls. He received a yellow card in the 82nd minute of the first leg on Monday, and will receive a one-game ban for yellow card accumulation.

Giovinco and Altidore will be eligible to return in the second leg of the Eastern Conference Final. Giovinco (16) and Altidore (15) were the Reds two-leading goal scorers this season.

Ryan Young