New York City returned to the Big Apple for the first time in 21 days, defeating Toronto FC 3-1 on a hot Thursday night at Yankee Stadium.
NYCFC bounced back after losing to CF Montréal five days ago, jumping up to 6th Place in the Eastern Conference with the win.
Here are 5 Thoughts on the 4th of July-eve victory.
Hudson River Blue Staff
1. Hannes Wolf at it again
After a quiet performance against Montréal, Hannes Wolf got back in the scoring column in the 20th minute on Thursday.
Mitja Ilenič floated in a cross, which Wolf hit on a half-volley, bouncing the ball into the ground and up. It deflected off both posts but went over the line and beat former New York City goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
Hannes Wolf scores his ninth goal of the season | Courtesy New York City FC
It was Wolf's team-leading ninth goal of the season and fifth in four games. The Austrian winger surpassed Alonso Martínez's eight goals to continue his good run of form.
As for Ilenič, it was his second assist of 2025 and first since April 12, when he set up Martínez for the game-winning goal against Philadelphia Union at Citi Field.
2. Ilenič, Ojeda prove dangerous on the right
After assisting Wolf's opening goal, Ilenič's night got even better at the start of the second half. The 20-year-old somehow got a touch on Agustín Ojeda's pass, deflecting the ball high in the air and into the back of the net for his second goal of the season.
Mitja Ilenič scores his second goal of the season | Courtesy New York City FC
Ojeda miraculously picked up his first goal contribution of the season, ending a drought that lasted 31 games and dated back to June 28, 2024, when he scored in NYCFC's 4-2 home win over Orlando City SC.
The Argentine winger has struggled mightily this season, putting none of his 11 attempted shots on target. Perhaps the assist could unlock Ojeda's form that he showed at times last season.
3. O'Toole makes his mark off the bench
Kevin O'Toole missed all of May due to a knee injury, but returned against Atlanta on June 12. Birk Risa filled in for the time being and seems to have won the starting spot, but O'Toole made his presence felt when he came off the bench against Toronto.
Trailing just 2-1 and breathing down New York City's necks for an equalizer, Toronto had all the momentum with 20 minutes to play.
But NYCFC put an end to the game, as Wolf forced a turnover and regained possession. He combined with Maxi Moralez for a quick one-two, then laid the ball off to O'Toole, who slotted it past Johnson into the bottom left corner.
Kevin O'Toole scores his first goal of the season | Courtesy New York City FC
You could say that was one of NYCFC's best team moves leading to a goal this season. Wolf picked up his third assist of the season, and O'Toole found the back of the net for the first time since he coincidentally scored a game-winner against Toronto in March last season.
4. The return of Alonso Martínez
New York City spent June without its star striker: Alonso Martínez. The 26-year-old started every game for Costa Rica at the Concacaf Gold Cup, scoring two goals and notching one assist.
Four days ago, he played 90 minutes in Costa Rica's penalty shootout loss to the United States. Martínez scored the game-tying goal in the 71st minute, then subsequently scored his spot kick against club teammate Matt Freese, who went on to save three straight penalties and lead his country to victory.
Martínez had a quiet first half on Thursday, recording 17 touches but just one in Toronto's box. He also attempted no shots and was dispossessed twice.
His second half was just as forgettable, as he finished the game with only one shot on target and one touch in the opposition's box — the quick turnaround between games seemed to affect Martínez.
5. Toronto's depleted offense
Toronto ended its expensive Italian Designated Players era on Tuesday, mutually agreeing to terminate the contracts of Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi, the second and sixth-highest-paid players in MLS, respectively.
Insigne scored 19 goals in 76 games, never living up to his $15.4 million annual salary. Bernardeschi performed slightly better, despite being paid significantly less (around $6.3 million), recording 26 goals and 15 assists in 99 appearances.
With the duo gone, the scoring emphasis fell more on strikers Theo Corbeanu and Ola Brynhildsen, both on loan from European clubs. The duo had a quiet night and didn't test NYCFC's backup goalkeeper Tomás Romero much.
New York City couldn't keep a clean sheet, though, as Romero let in an own goal in the 70th minute, conceding the team's fourth own goal of the season. Unfortunate for Romero, as he might head to the bench with NYCFC's next game, against Charlotte FC on the road on July 12, coming after the completion of the Gold Cup, meaning Matt Freese will be back.
