3 things we learned from NYCFC's fun 3-0 win over Toronto FC

On the night before Independence Day, Yankee Stadium was full of blue and red when New York City FC and Toronto FC faced off in a Major League Soccer matchup.  The Boys in Blue were coming off a loss to CF Montréal, while the Reds just won their fourth game of the season.  As such, the two teams entered the game from different circumstances, and the home side desperately needed a win. 

Thanks to the clinical finish that was missing in action last weekend, NYCFC beat Toronto 3-1.  All of the goals were scored by the Pigeons, for the Canadian team’s lone goal was an own goal via Tomás Romero.

Meanwhile, Hannes Wolf scored again, securing his ninth goal of the season and sixth in his last six matches.  The winger also earned the assist on Kevin O’Toole’s goal that allowed the Boys in Blue to regain a two-goal advantage.  The other goal was scored by Mitja Ilenič.

Overall, this was an exciting and fun game and a perfect way to spend the evening before the 4th of July weekend began.  So, here are three things we learned from NYCFC’s 3-1 win against Toronto FC.

3. Another NYCFC win over Toronto

Thanks to Thursday’s win, NYCFC has now won six straight matches against Toronto FC.  The streak began in 2023 during the 5-0 thrashing in the Leagues Cup, and the Boys in Blue have not backed down. From that fixture on, they have scored 17 goals against the Reds.

This is a great streak for the Pigeons and is something they can look back on in the future.  Additionally, there will be a chance to extend it later on, likely next season, because Toronto would need a big turnaround to make the playoffs.  Plus, the postseason is not guaranteed yet for NYCFC. 

2. Tomás Romero is a great backup goalkeeper

Romero has been a starter in the past but has spent most of his Major League Soccer career as a backup.  He has been great so far in the few games he has played, and this is despite giving up a few goals.

Sure, he was responsible for an own goal against Toronto.  It was more bad luck, for the ball deflected off Justin Haak and then deflected off him.  The double-deflection was a moment that could have happened to anyone. 

Still, he had two saves but also plenty of catches, showing he was focused and ready to intervene to keep the Reds from scoring chances.  Plus, Romero’s two saves were ones not everyone would have saved, including his fingertip reach in the 56th minute. 

NYCFC is lucky to have him as their backup.  It makes losing Matt Freese to the USMNT easy to handle.  More importantly, the Pigeons would be in good hands if the starting keeper had to miss any period of time for other reasons that will not be named to ensure such negativity is not put into the world.

1. NYCFC still needs to be consistent

Listen, understandably, this has been said all season long.  NYCFC has a big problem with staying consistent with their play.  Yes, there will be games where the team struggles; most MLS sides will have matches where they do not perform to their expected level.

Regardless, teams can lose while playing consistently.  NYCFC has lost games because they are not consistent.  They can be hot and cold with scoring and lack a solid effort in the attack.  Poor mistakes have plagued them at times.  There have also been matches in which the team could not find any rhythm.

Consistency would allow them more chances to win.  NYCFC needs to capture this result and the Atlanta United FC win from June and utilize these wins to help them on their upcoming road trip.