Reigning MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco led Toronto FC on a fierce rally from a 2-0 deficit to snatch a hard-earned 2-2 draw vs. New York City FC at Yankee Stadium on Sunday evening.

The Italian set up a Damien Perquis set-piece strike just before halftime and netted a gorgeous left-footed strike of his own in the 76th minute to cancel out a furious start by the home side, who fielded an unexpected 3-4-3 formation and stormed out to an early advantage via a David Villa brace.

NYCFC's Spanish Designated Player Villa opened the scoring from the spot in the 24th minute, stroking a calm penalty-kick finish into the lower left corner to leave TFC goalkeeper Clint Irwin with no chance after Tommy McNamara had been fouled in the box.

Villa struck again in more contentious circumstances just four minutes later, latching onto a loose ball inside the six-yard area after an Andrea Pirlo free kick sparked havoc in the Toronto goalmouth. Replays suggested that the ball had hit Villa's arm before he dispatched his effort from short range, but referee Alan Kelly allowed play to continue.

But the Reds cut the deficit with a crucial goal just before halftime, as Giovinco laid a teasing set piece across the face of Josh Saunders' goal that was deflected home by a sliding Perquis. And the visitors grabbed their share of the points with yet another fine solo run and finish by Giovinco as NYCFC faded noticeably in the second half.

Box Score

24' - NYC - David Villa (PK)

28' - NYC - David Villa (Mix Diskerud)

45'+ - TOR - Damien Perquis (Sebastian Giovinco)

76' - TOR - Sebastian Giovinco (Will Johnson)