Frank Lampard opened his account for New York City FC as they returned to form with a 2-0 victory over Toronto.
On a three-match losing streak and without a win in four outings, the hosts came into the clash at Yankee Stadium with a point to prove - and they looked determined early on.
Patrick Mullins and Andrea Pirlo both tried their luck, but it was third time lucky for City as Lampard fired them ahead on 20 minutes - his first goal in the MLS.
The Canadian outfit responded well and almost drew level when captain Michael Bradley pulled his fierce effort narrowly wide of Josh Saunders's goal five minutes later.
Fresh from a 3-1 reverse to New England Revolution, Toronto had a point to prove themselves and the visitors slowly but surely began to dominate.
Jozy Altidore forced Saunders into a smart save shortly after the half-hour mark, before the City stopper thwarted Bradley once more as the hosts survived until the break.
The half-time break did little to stifle Toronto's enthusiasm and Saunders was on hand with the heroics once more as he kept out Giovinco's free kick on the hour mark.
However, the visitors were dealt a blow in their bid to take something from the game when New York doubled their lead through Mullins, who benefited from an excellent Pirlo corner as he powered a header home from close range.
The likes of Giovinco struggled to get involved for Toronto late on as New York defended impressively to collect all three points.
Callum Mulvihill
