Toronto FC downs struggling New York City FC

TORONTO — Jesus Jimenez scored and New York City FC conceded an own goal as Toronto FC downed the defending MLS champions 2-1 on Saturday.

New York (1-3-1) had more of the ball but failed to take advantage until Brazilian substitute Heber scored on a stylish header in the 92nd minute. For Toronto (2-2-1), it was its second win in a row.

It was the first game at BMO Field since Canada clinched World Cup qualification a week earlier in a 4-0 win over Jamaica. It was warmer — five degrees Celsius — at kickoff and quieter than the sellout crowd of 29,122 for the Canada contest.

"Let them hear you in Qatar," the PA announcer said in urging the announced crowd of 21,802 to sing "O Canada" prior to kickoff.

Toronto grew into the game and went ahead in the 31st minute when Jonathan Osorio's through ball split the visitors' defence en route to an unmarked Jimenez, who beat Sean Johnson to the corner for his third goal of the season.

Osorio, making his 297th appearance in all competitions in Toronto colours, was flying in the first half. And he was rewarded with an ovation when he exited in the 60th minute.

Toronto doubled its lead in the 43rd when Thiago Martins headed the ball into his own goal off a dangerous Alejandro Pozuelo free kick. The Brazilian designated player was under pressure from Toronto's Lukas MacNaughton who had risen high to meet the ball.

TFC bent but didn't break in the second half as the visitors pressed. Alex Bono made an acrobatic save off Keaton Parks in the 68th minute to maintain the Toronto advantage.

NYCFC's checkered league start has been, in part, due to a hectic early-season schedule because of the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League. After Toronto, the New Yorkers head to Seattle for Wednesday's