All the hype surrounding the arrival of Thierry Henry in Toronto allowed the lesser known of New York’s heralded trio of superstars to steal the show and the three points Saturday.
Rafa Marquez, who signed as New York’s third designated player after Henry made his intentions known, scored the first and set up the second goal in New York’s 4-1 win over Toronto.
The loss ended an unbeaten run of 17 games at BMO Field for Toronto.
“We did not start particularly well. The first five or six minutes we very lethargic and the decision making was very poor,” said Toronto head coach Preki post-match. “I don’t think one guy on the field was sharp. Not one. We didn’t work hard enough today to create the chances.”
Marquez’ first MLS goal in the 35th minute, was of the highest quality and sucked the air of out what was shaping up to be a dominating first 45 minutes for the home side.
“I thought we had plenty of chances and in the end we let New York off the hook,” Preki added.
The visiting Red Bulls doubled the lead through Marquez in the 41st minute, when the Mexican international’s free kick deflected of Reds’ midfielder Joseph Nane and past goalkeeper Stefan Frei.
As for Henry the jersey started on the trains and subways, spilled into the Canadian National Exhibition grounds and then was worn by the man himself at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon.
Owning the most polished resume on the field, Henry was booed by the Toronto FC faithful at every touch. Hampered by an admitted calf strain, the French international was not much of a factor on a humid afternoon by the lake and was substituted to a smattering of boos and applause in the 69th minute.
Dwayne De Rosario pulled one back for Toronto in the 49th minute, thanks to a strong individual effort that resulted in the Red’ captain slipping a shot between the legs of goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul.
The goal was ninth on the season for De Rosario.
But a red card to Toronto defender Nana in the 60th minute, forced the official to point to the penalty spot. The original Red Bulls designated player Juan Pablo Angel stepped up and converted the kick to make it 3-1.
“It was a silly play on the penalty kick and after that we were just chasing the game,” Preki said.
The 74th minute brought a bittersweet moment for Toronto supporters, when former Reds’ MVP Carl Robinson checked in to the game. The Welshman spent three seasons in Toronto before a trade sent him to New York in the off season.
The homecoming would be complete for Robinson two minutes later, when he would head home a goal to make it 4-1.
“I wasn’t a goal scorer in Toronto, was I?” Robinson joked afterwards. “It’s not about me and I wasn’t bothered about scoring the goal, it was just nice to get the reception I did, especially with the personal issues I have going on at home and I will sleep well tonight.”
The result moves New York (10-7-4) to within three points of the first-place Columbus Crew (11-5-4), while Toronto (7-8-5) remain in third spot and in jeopardy of falling out of playoff contention.
NOTES: Toronto’s designated players of Julian De Guzman (suspended) and Mista (substituted at half) did not figure in the result … Despite the announced attendance of 22, 180 there were several empty pockets throughout the stadium … Preki said Mista may not travel with the team to Panana for the Champions League match … Chad Barrett also re-injured his hamstring after being out the the same injury for a few games.