Former Red Bull New York forward Lewis Morgan returned to Sports Illustrated Stadium on Saturday and helped Toronto FC secure a 2-0 victory that gave the visitors a crucial three points in a tight Eastern Conference playoff race.
After Saturday’s win, 10th-place Toronto is even on points (36) with the eighth-place Red Bulls. With only tiebreakers separating the final eighth and ninth playoff spots from the fate of missing the postseason, Morgan was delighted to help his new club stay in the thick of the playoff race.
“As a football player, you’ve got a job to do, you need to win the game,” Morgan said. “I think the Red Bulls played really well, they made it really tough for us. I think we had a top-level performance when we came and had to defend. I’m really happy that we were able to come away with three points.
“We just had so many guys committed to the cause and defending and being ready to take our chances when they came. In this league it’s hard to win games away from home, especially at a place like this. I just think it was a really important performance from everyone.”
Morgan Recalls His Time With Red Bull New York, Looks Forward to Future Meetings
Prior to Saturday’s match, Morgan was honored by his former club for his four years of service. He received a plaque from Red Bull New York technical director Tiger Fitzpatrick.
“It was good to get a nice reception, obviously,” Morgan said. “Good touch from the club as well, to have a little memorial picture.”
The 30-year-old forward reflected on his time in Harrison, which included a run to the 2024 MLS Cup Final, where New York was narrowly defeated by the Los Angeles Galaxy 2-1.
Morgan scored 31 goals in 82 appearances for Red Bull New York.
“I’ve got a great relationship with the fans, and I think I had the chance to say it when I left here,” Morgan said. “Obviously, I never took for granted the support they gave me. It always held a special place with me and my family.
“I’m looking forward to playing against you guys a few times in the years to come. Of course, I’ve got loads of good memories here, and I’m trying to make new memories now with a different club.”
Toronto FC Has Benefited From Morgan’s Impact
Since being acquired by Toronto from San Diego FC on September 2, Morgan has scored two goals through his first seven games at his new club.
Assistant coach Wolde Harris took charge of the Reds on Saturday, as head coach Robin Fraser was suspended due to card accumulation.
“Lewis is fantastic,” Harris said. “His attitude was awesome. You know he’s been out for a while with long-term injuries and is just coming back. He came in with a positive attitude and a positive mindset. The guys accepted him and he just kept working.
“We’re very happy to have him. Hopefully, he can continue to keep improving because we know the quality that he has.”
Morgan Credits Michael Bradley for Red Bull New York’s Progress
The Eastern Conference playoff race could go down to the wire. Morgan praised first-year Red Bull New York head coach Michael Bradley’s impact in shaping a youthful Red Bulls team into playoff contenders.
“I think the proof’s on the pitch,” Morgan explained. “I think Michael’s got the team playing really, really good football. I think it’s a testament to him. Obviously, it’s a young squad as well, so it’s exciting for the Red Bull fans. I always want to see Red Bull doing well. At the moment, not as well as Toronto. I’ve only got good things to say about everyone at this club. I enjoyed my time here.”
Morgan and Toronto will travel to Columbus on Saturday to face the Crew, while the Red Bulls will host Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on Saturday evening.
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