Midfielder Tim Cahill’s two-goal performance, including an 89th minute match-winner, helped give the New York Red Bulls their second-straight win – a 2-1 road victory over Toronto FC this afternoon. New York has won three of its last four matches, moving to 14 points off a 4-4-2 record and a tie for first place in the Eastern Conference, pending Saturday’s other MLS results.
New York took the lead on Cahill’s first goal of the season in the 39th minute. Red Bulls defender Roy Miller had possession on the left wing and skipped into the box, playing a low pass that Henry dummied. An open Cahill was on hand to curl it in with his left foot.
Fabian Espindola almost doubled the visitors’ lead moments from the break, forcing Bendik into a diving stop after Lloyd Sam gave the Argentine forward the ball.
New York continued to exert pressure in the second half and Thierry Henry came close in the 65th minute, taking a Cahill feed and putting it just high from 12 yards out. Espindola then had a chance on his left foot that he pulled wide of the mark seven minutes later.
Toronto FC equalized in the 83rd minute. Following a Darren O’Dea free kick that was partially cleared, Ryan Richter pulled it back to Jonathan Osorio outside of the 18-yard box. Osorio launched it off the underside of the crossbar and across the end line.
However, Cahill’s heroics saved the day for New York and helped the visitors take home three points. Peguy Luyindula found Henry on the left wing and the Red Bulls captain chipped it towards the back post. Cahill rose above his defender and nodded it into the back of the net.
The Red Bulls were missing the services of midfielders Dax McCarty (right quadriceps injury) and Juninho (suspension) on Saturday.
