A comeback at Yankee Stadium secured points in Toronto FC’s second consecutive game to begin the 2016 season.

The Reds managed to duck adversity in the season opener against the New York Red Bulls, but that wasn’t the case on Sunday against New York City FC.

Marky Delgado fouled Tommy McNamara in the box, leading to David Villa’s goal to open the scoring in the 24th minute. Four minutes later Villa struck again after a scramble in the TFC box following an Andrea Pirlo free kick. The Spaniard appeared - ‘appeared’ in this case is being used charitably - to have handled the ball before scoring but referee Alan Kelly would later admit that he didn’t see the infraction take place.

So there TFC was. Down 2-0 on the road in front of a raucous crowd out for NYCFC’s home opener. Their options going forward were straightforward: Wilt under the weight of adversity or push forward. They chose the latter.

Damien Perquis got one goal back, connecting on a Sebastian Giovinco free kick just before halftime. Then, Giovinco tormented the home side’s defenders on his way to recording the equalizer in the 76th minute. Both teams had more than legitimate chances to break the deadlock in the final 10 minutes but there were no last gasp heroics. 2-2 was your final score and the Reds emerged from their first two games with four points.

Here are three things we learned from the comeback in the Bronx.

Character In The Room

In back-to-back games in tough environments - it was the home opener for both opponents - to start the season the Reds passed the much hyped ‘character’ test.

That was especially the case on Sunday, where an early deficit on the road usually meant dropped points in seasons’ past. The Reds showed resolve following Villa’s second goal, registering a number of scoring chances before Perquis was able to break through.

“[Our] character showed,” said Drew Moor. “This road trip is a test and to have four points after two matches here in the New York Area against two teams that will be in playoff contention, is a great sign.”

Cheyrou Will Be A Factor

Benoit Cheyrou was a mainstay in the TFC starting XI last season and as far as first seasons in MLS go, it was a successful one for the Frenchman.

Cheyrou didn’t get off the bench against the Red Bulls, leading to questions regarding his role this season. Last week Greg Vanney was quick to confirm the 34-year-old remains an important player for this team going forward

“He's a big factor in the team with his composure and his ability to communicate with other players on the training field or in the game,” Vanney told the Toronto Sun’s Kurt Larson. “He's a role model for our younger players in terms of his professionalism and understanding of the game. He's an asset in every way.”

Cheyrou replaced Tsubasa Endoh -- one of the players he has helped mentor -- in the 59th minute and made an immediate impact. Cheyrou’s calmness on the ball allowed TFC to maintain possession for large portions of the final 30 minutes, leading to yet another momentum shift in favour of the Reds.

Room For Improvement

Four points through two games to the start the season for the Reds is most definitely a positive start to the season for Vanney and his team, but there is of course, room for improvement.

Set piece defending was shaky at times and there were some nervous moments at the back. Building this team for the final phases of the season remains a work of progress.

“Obviously we feel good about a lot of things that have happened in these two games,” said Michael Bradley. “[There’s] still a lot we need to work on, but to start the year with two difficult games on the road like this and to come away with four points, I think every guy should feel good about what we are doing and also realize that there is still a lot of room for improvement. That is something that should excite us.”