(Buena Vista) Jesus Medina set the tone for the game by hitting the target in the fifth minute of play and New York City FC defeated Toronto FC 3-1 on Sunday night to advance to the quarter-finals of the MLS raise tournament.

Valentin Castellanos doubled his team’s lead early in the second half and Maxi Moralez sealed the victory with their third goal late in the game.

The NYCFC came as a surprise after narrowly qualifying for the round of 16. The New York side benefited from a loss by the Houston Dynamo to the LA Galaxy to place third in their group and remain in the tournament.

Still, the NYCFC were dominant in Game 1 of the playoffs. The New York club has yet started the season with four consecutive defeats and only two goals to its name.

Next Saturday, Ronny Deila's men will cross swords with the winner of the duel between the Portland Timbers and FC Cincinnati.

Toronto FC rose to first place in Group C after recording one win and two draws. They had five goals for young power hitter Ayo Akinola, but the latter was forced out on Sunday with a right hamstring injury. The Toronto FC attack has threatened opposing goalkeeper Sean Johnson only on very rare occasions during the game.

Patrick Mullins was the only goal scorer for the Torontonians. He got an assist from Jozy Altidore to close the lead to two goals in the 87th minute.