There are draws, and then there are draws that feel like defeats. For Toronto FC, Saturday’s 1–1 stalemate with Red Bull New York at BMO Field will sting long into the weekend. The hosts were minutes away from a deserved victory, only for substitute Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to break their hearts in the seventh minute of stoppage time and send the points back to New Jersey.

Sallói Gives Toronto the Edge Before the Break

Despite Red Bull New York dominating possession — finishing the match with a commanding 67.7% of the ball — it was Toronto who looked the more dangerous side in the first half, pressing high and making the most of their limited time with the ball. The hosts were picking up bookings along the way, with Matthew Dos Santos (22′) and Robert Voloder (32′) both collecting yellow cards to leave New York walking a disciplinary tightrope.

Toronto’s reward for their industry came in the 43rd minute. Dániel Sallói made no mistake, finding the net to send BMO Field into half-time celebrations and give the hosts a 1–0 lead heading into the break. It was a well-earned advantage for a side that had been outpossessed but never outfought.

Red Bull Push, Toronto Hold… Until They Don’t

The second half was a story of Red Bull New York pressing relentlessly in search of an equaliser. Their 18 total shots and 8 on target told the story of a side that refused to accept defeat. Toronto’s backline, marshalled with increasing nervousness, did an admirable job for the majority of the second period, limiting their visitors to opportunities rather than clear-cut chances.

But as the clock ticked into the seventh minute of added time — with the stadium daring to dream — Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting had other ideas. The Cameroonian striker, introduced from the bench, produced a poacher’s finish to level the match at 90’+7′ and silence BMO Field in an instant. It was a gut-punch for the home faithful, and a moment of pure instinct from a player who has always known where the goal is.

The Numbers Tell a Complicated Story

On paper, Red Bull New York were the dominant side — 67.7% possession, 18 shots, 11 corners won. Toronto, by contrast, managed just 32.3% of the ball but still registered 12 shots and 6 on target, speaking to their efficiency and directness on the counter. José Cifuentes picked up a yellow card in the 38th minute for the hosts, but the disciplinary concerns were ultimately secondary to the heartbreak of that late equaliser.

Verdict

A point apiece is ultimately a fair reflection of the contest, even if the timing of the goals makes it feel anything but fair to Toronto. Red Bull New York’s resilience — and Choupo-Moting’s clinical instinct in the dying seconds — earns them a share of the spoils and keeps their early-season momentum intact. Toronto, meanwhile, will reflect on what might have been, knowing they were just moments away from three valuable points at home.

Toronto FC 1–1 Red Bull New York | BMO Field, Toronto | MLS | March 14, 2026

Goals: Dániel Sallói (43′) — Toronto FC | Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (90’+7′) — Red Bull New York