By: Kian Silva
NYCFC EXTENDS DOMINANCE OVER TORONTO WITH COMMANDING 3-1 VICTORY AT YANKEE STADIUM
BRONX, NY – July 3, 2025 — Amid thunderstorms and a charged Yankee Stadium atmosphere, New York City FC made it six consecutive wins over Toronto FC with a 3-1 triumph Thursday night, matching their longest-ever win streak against a single opponent. With the rain clouds clearing just before kickoff, the Boys in Blue delivered a performance as electric as the skies above.
Returning from a successful Gold Cup campaign with Costa Rica, Alonso Martínez made his first start back in NYCFC colors, while the evening also marked the emotional return of former captain Sean Johnson, now in net for the visitors.
NYCFC struck first in the 20th minute after a couple early yellow cards and back-and-forth midfield duels. A deflected free-kick sequence eventually fell to Mitja Ilenič, whose delivery found Hannes Wolf on the volley. Wolf’s ninth goal of the season not only gave the home side the lead but also brought him to the top of the club’s scoring charts this season.
Five minutes later, Martínez was booked for simulation just outside the box—his night marked by both flashes of danger and near-moments.
NYCFC saw early action in the second half. In the 49th minute, a lofted ball to Ojeda opened space on the right. He squared it to Ilenič, who redirected it past Johnson for a 2-0 lead, his second goal of the campaign. Toronto, who had lacked fluidity in the first half, responded with urgency. They created their best chance in the 54th minute through Brynhildsen, but the Norwegian forward sent his shot wide.
A double save by NYCFC keeper Tomas Romero minutes later kept the clean sheet intact, at least momentarily. Toronto found a lifeline in the 69th minute when a driven cross from Corbeanu was unintentionally deflected in by Justin Haak for an own goal, cutting the deficit to 2-1.
But the response was swift. In the 74th minute, Maxi Moralez and Wolf combined on the left before Wolf set up substitute Kevin O’Toole for a composed finish, his first goal of the season, to restore the two-goal cushion at 3-1.
Martínez nearly added a fourth in the 79th minute but was denied by a well-timed intervention from Johnson. Despite late substitutions and added time, Toronto couldn’t mount a final push.
NYCFC controlled the tempo, capitalized on their opportunities, and showed cohesion throughout. Hannes Wolf was named Man of the Match for his goal and assist performance, while Ilenič’s contributions at both ends of the pitch made him a standout contender.
FINAL SCORE: NYCFC 3 – 1 TORONTO FC
Goals:
NYCFC – Wolf (20’), Ilenič (49’), O’Toole (74’)
TOR – Own Goal (Haak, 69’)
Contributed by: Kian Silva