New York and Toronto played out a MLS classic that ended 4-4, included four penalties and a Sebastian Giovinco hat-trick. At ninth place in the East, New York City FC is now tied with the Montreal Impact on points (21), while Toronto remains three points ahead at third place.
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Lampard had been expected to debut for City on Sunday but missed out due to a calf injury.
David Villa put NYCFC in front in the 17th minute on a curling direct kick that glanced off goalie Chris Konopka’s fingers.
“One of the things that you need to have to be successful in this league is consistency in the back four, and that is a big reason for our inconsistencies”, City coach Jason Kreis said.
After missing a penalty kick earlier in the match, Giovinco converted a PK in the 34th minute.
84′ – Mullins equalizes – NYCFC swung back two minutes later and took advantage of a well-delivered set piece cross that almost ping balled into the net, though defender Justin Moore managed to clear it out.
“He was excellent”, Vanney said about Giovinco’s performance.
New York City is seventh in the Eastern Conference with 20 points having won 5 games, drawn 5 and lost 8.
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In Vancouver, Kevin Ellis’ second-half header saw Sporting Kansas City triumph 1-0 over the Whitecaps, who had only needed a draw to claim top spot in the West. Giovinco’s 11th goal of the season came in the 43rd after he punched the ball over goalie Josh Saunders for a 3-2 lead.
