MLS roundup: After NYCFC falls, Toronto FC wins to move into first in East
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) — Jozy Altidore had a goal and an assist and Toronto FC beat the Chicago Fire 2–1 on Saturday night to move into first place in the Eastern Conference.
Altidore opened the scoring in the 33rd minute, finishing Justin Morrow's cross from the middle of the area.
The in-form @jozyaltidore gives @TorontoFC the lead. #CHIvTOR https://t.co/xho06adftE— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 11, 2016
Altidore assisted Jonathan Osorio's goal in the 52nd minute, blocking Sean Johnson's errant throw-out so Osorio could send back an easy chip shot past the out-of-position goalkeeper.
Altidore has six goals in his last eight games—nine in 10 counting his two U.S. national team appearances. His scoring burst comes at a crucial time for Toronto FC (13-8-7) with last year's MLS MVP, Sebastian Giovinco, out for four weeks with a muscle strain.
Michael de Leeuw closed the deficit to one for Chicago (6-13-8) with a high-leaping header from in front of the net in the 64th minute.
REVOLUTION 3, NEW YORK CITY FC 1
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Diego Fagundez had a goal and an assist to help the New England Revolution beat New York City FC 3–1 on Saturday night.
The Revolution (8-12-9) have won two straight to close within a point of Orlando City for the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
NYCFC (12-9-8) had just moved back atop the Eastern Conference standings with its victory over D.C. United last week.
With NYCFC goalkeeper Josh Saunders dropping to his knees, Juan Agudelo looked as if he would shoot to the near post but fired his right-footed shot to the top far post in the 21st minute. Fagundez assisted on the goal.
Lee Nguyen took a cross from Kelyn Rowe from just outside the 6-yard box, and then tapped a right-footed shot to the near post to put the Revs up 2–0 just before the break.
Frank Lampard scored in the 49th minute for NYCFC before Fagundez slipped past three defenders and scored in the 58th minute.
WHITECAPS 3, CREW 1
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Andrew Jacobson scored the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute, Erik Hurtado added another in the 82nd and Vancouver beat Columbus.
Jacobson dribbled in from near midfield and slotted home a right-footed shot from the right side of the arc—Vancouver's first shot on goal. Erik Hurtado made it 3–1 on a putback off David Edgar's attempt.
The Whitecaps (9-13-7) tied it in the 13th minute on an own goal by the Crew's Gaston Sauro. Columbus (5-11-11) opened the scoring moments before on Ola Kamara's leaping kick.
Columbus' Tony Tchani was sent off in the 86th minute due to violent conduct.
The kickoff was delayed over an hour due to weather.
IMPACT 1, UNION 1, TIE
CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Matteo Mancosu tied it with a header in the 88th minute and Philadelphia held on for a the draw with Montreal.
Hernan Bernardello crossed in a diagonal chip pass and Donny Toia flicked it along through the middle of the Union defense to set up Mancosu's goal for the Impact (9-8-11).
Union (11-10-8) goalkeeper Andre Blake injured his hip on the play from a diving attempt to make a save but stayed on for the remainder of the contest.
Tranquillo Barnetta opened the scoring in the 45th minute on a straightaway left-footed shot from 25 yards. It was Barnetta's fifth goal of the season.