New York City 4-4 Toronto: Frank Lampard watches on as Sebastian Giovinco scores hat-trick for visitors in entertaining draw

• New York City took a two-goal lead thanks to David Villa and an own goal
• Sebastian Giovinco scored a first-half hat-trick to put Toronto 3-2 ahead
• Villa levelled things up for New York through the penalty spot
• Marco Delgado restored Toronto's lead thanks to Giovinco's brilliance
• Patrick Mullins completed the scoreline - netting an 84th minute equaliser 

By Luke Augustus for MailOnline

Published: 16:03 EST, 12 July 2015 | Updated: 03:30 EST, 13 July 2015

New York City new boy Frank Lampard watched on from the stands as his team-mates played out an eight-goal thriller against Toronto - that also included a league-record four penalties awarded of which only two were converted.

Lampard attended the match with his fiancee Christine Bleakley and was soon celebrating as New York captain David Villa fired the hosts ahead on 17 minutes.

The former England international was due to make his MLS bow in this match but a calf injury meant his debut was delayed.

David Villa (left) punches the air in delight after opening the scoring for New York City in their draw vs Toronto

The former Valencia and Barcelona forward (left) is hugged by his team-mates after giving them the lead

Villa waves to the crowd as the New York captain puts his side ahead during Sunday's MLS encounter

Villa was watched by new New York City team-mate Frank Lampard and his fiancee Christine Bleakley

Lampard was due to make his debut for New York on Sunday but had to miss out through to a calf injury

Just minutes after Villa's opener, Toronto almost replied immediately but Sebastian Giovinco couldn’t convert from the spot after Marco Delgado had been fouled in the box.

City soon doubled their lead thanks to a Damien Perquis own goal after the hosts were awarded a penalty of their own.

Villa's effort from the spot was tame and it was pushed away by Toronto goalkeeper Chris Konopka. However, the rebound fell into the path of Patrick Mullins - who was quick to react and forced the ball home via a deflection off Perquis.

Then came the Giovinco show as his hat-trick turned the scoreline on its head in Toronto's favour before half-time.

Atoning for his earlier miss from the spot, he made no mistake at the second time of asking as the visitors were awarded another penalty to reduce the deficit before adding a further two strikes.

The Italy international's nine-minute treble was the Canadian franchise's first-ever in MLS history.

'You see what he's capable of doing on a day like today because he brought out a lot of skills and treats,' Toronto manager Greg Vanney said of the former Juventus star's display.

'But every game is different. Today, he showed what he's capable of doing. This one has to go down as one of his best games for sure. He was excellent.'

Daniel Lovitz (right) runs with the ball as Toronto look to start an attack against New York City

New York City forward Patrick Mullins (right) evades the challenge of Mehdi Ballouchy during the match

Mullins (left) shields the ball from Toronto defender Nick Hagglund during Sunday's MLS encounter

Mullins wheels away in celebration as Damien Perquis' own goal doubles New York's lead against Toronto

Sebastian Giovinco (left) was the star for the visitors though as he scored a first-half hat-trick

A Villa second-half penalty, his eighth strike in his last seven games, levelled the scores midway through the second half but Delgado restored the visitors' lead thanks to a piece of Giovinco brilliance.

The 28-year-old ran down the flank, avoiding several challenges, before squaring the ball into the path of Delgado for a tap-in.

Giovinco was running the show and could have had a fourth goal, prior to Villa's second, when his low right-footed strike hit the base of the post.

However, a late Mullins header ensured that the hosts ended the match with a share of the spoils.

The point moves Toronto into a four-team tie for third place in the Eastern Conference with 24 points from 17 games, while New York sit eighth.

Frank Lampard: Delighted to be in same team Villa and Pirlo

The former Juventus star's treble began from the penalty spot on 34 minutes to reduce the scoreline to 2-1

In the second half, Villa again was on target as he stepped up to score a penalty to level the match at 3-3

Villa (left) won the penalty after being fouled by Toronto goalkeeper Chris Konopka (centre)

Villa (centre) kisses his fist in celebration after netting New York City's equaliser from the penalty spot

New York City players look crestfallen after conceding Marco Delgado's goal to trail 4-3 with minutes left

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