Toronto FC concede stoppage-time equalizer in 1-1 draw with Red Bull New York
Toronto FC’s 2026 MLS home opener ended in a 1-1 draw against Red Bull New York, with Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting equalizing in stoppage time. Dániel Sallói scored for Toronto, while goalkeeper Luka Gavran performed well. The match marked Josh Sargent’s debut for Toronto, as they now hold a 1-2-1 record this season.
Photo: Valeria Veyna
Toronto FC was seconds away from securing a victory in its 2026 Major League Soccer home opener before Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting scored deep into stoppage time to earn Red Bull New York a 1-1 draw at BMO Field on Saturday.
The veteran striker bundled home a loose ball following a corner kick in the 98th minute, rescuing a point for the visitors and spoiling what had looked like a winning afternoon for the Reds in front of an announced crowd of 18,767.
The result leaves Toronto FC with a 1-2-1 record (four points) after four matches in the 2026 MLS season, while Red Bull New York improved to 2-1-1.
Sallói strikes again to give Toronto first-half lead
Toronto opened the scoring late in the first half through winger Dániel Sallói, who found the net for the second consecutive match.
The goal came in the 43rd minute on a quick counterattack that started deep in Toronto’s half. Goalkeeper Luka Gavran launched a long ball forward that Djordje Mihailovic collected while racing upfield. The playmaker held off a defender before lifting a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Sallói.
The Hungarian winger finished the move with a clever one-touch lob over Red Bulls goalkeeper Ethan Horvath. The play also marked Gavran’s first assist for Toronto FC, making him the fifth goalkeeper in club history to record an assist in MLS play.
Gavran shines in goal for Toronto
Gavran delivered a strong performance throughout the match, making several key saves to protect Toronto’s lead. The goalkeeper denied Emil Forsberg in the 57th minute with a low stop and was helped by captain Jonathan Osorio, who produced a crucial defensive block in the 71st minute to stop another dangerous chance from the Swedish playmaker.
Despite Toronto’s defensive efforts, Red Bull New York continued to push forward. The visitors finished the match with 53 percent possession and outshot Toronto 18-13, including seven shots on target.
Josh Sargent makes Toronto FC debut
One of the most anticipated moments of the afternoon came midway through the second half when newly signed designated player Josh Sargent made his debut for Toronto FC.
The U.S. international entered the match in the 70th minute, replacing José Cifuentes. Sargent nearly made an immediate impact during a corner kick sequence shortly after entering the match. He also forced Horvath into a save in the 86th minute after receiving a pass from substitute Deandre Kerr. The 26-year-old striker joined Toronto earlier this season following a transfer from Norwich City.
Choupo-Moting equalizes in dramatic stoppage time
Red Bull New York finally found the breakthrough in the eighth minute of stoppage time after earning a corner kick.
Toronto struggled to clear the ball during a goalmouth scramble and Choupo-Moting, who entered the match in the 77th minute, managed to push the ball across the line to tie the game.
The goal, one of the latest in Red Bulls history, secured a point for New York and marked a frustrating ending for Toronto after leading for most of the second half. The match also marked the return of former Toronto FC captain Michael Bradley to BMO Field. Bradley, now head coach of the Red Bulls, received a standing ovation from fans before kickoff.
Toronto FC continues homestand next week
Saturday’s game was the first of nine consecutive home matches for Toronto FC while BMO Field undergoes preparations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Toronto FC will continue its MLS campaign next weekend when it hosts the Columbus Crew at BMO Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET and will be broadcast globally on Apple TV.
