Eastern Conference Semi-Final Aggregate 1 Recap by Jake Martino

NYCFC 0 Toronto 2- Aggregate 2-0

1st off I would love to welcome NYCFC into the playoffs in their second year of existence. Well, this first playoff game in franchise history was not an easy one with a tough match against Toronto FC.

The match was in the newly renovated BMO Field with the sold-out crowd ready to bring home the W for Toronto. NYCFC would have a tough challenge without Italian superstar leader Andrea Pirlo. Also not in the starting X was England legend Frank Lampard. Also a big change for NYCFC as Josh Saunders does not get the start in goal, instead it is Eirik Johansen who had his first start in his career last week against the Crew.

Erik Johansen came out with a big save in the 12th minute 1 v. 1 with Italian superstar Sebastian Giovinco. This game was very physical with NYCFC setting a SEASON HIGH with 18 team fouls.

As an NYCFC fan, I was not a big fan of Armando Cooper of Toronto during the whole game as he kept going after captain David Villa. He would end up being taken off in a sub which made me happy. Yet, that was the only thing that made me happy as NYCFC conceded 2 late goals to Jozy Altidore and Tosaint Ricketts to give Toronto the 2-0 lead.

Catch me, Jake Martino and Jared McCabe at Game 2 of the series in NYC, Sunday at 6:30. For Twitter check out live periscope and live game updates @jake_the_ace1.

For all of you staying at home, this game can be seen Sunday at 6:30 on FS1.

Game Stats

Goals and Assists

84' – TOR - Jozy Altidore
90'+2' – TOR – Tosaint Ricketts

Montreal 1 New York Red Bulls 0- Aggregate 1-0

The Red Bulls have been waiting for their chance to begin the postseason as they had the first round bye to advance the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals.

Game 1 was in Montreal, a very tough crowd to play against. The crowd did their job as there was no scoring until after halftime. Something Montreal had anticipated in their game plan. Sounds crazy, but they depended on their crowd as well to determine the outcome of the game.

Many chances early on for both teams, but in the 61st minute, Montreal struck to score the only goal of the match to give Montreal the 1-0 aggregate.

Game 2 of 2 for the series is in New Jersey on Sunday November 6th at Red Bulls Arena. This game can be seen Sunday on ESPN @4PM.

Game Stats

Goals and Assists