Toronto FC 0 SC Nashville 1
After a long season Toronto FC suffered a quick exit from this seasons playoffs.
A tough season riddled by injuries finally caught up with Toronto FC on Tuesday night.
Though coach of TFC Greg Vanney had a relatively full and healthy squad at his disposal for the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs, his club could not get the job done against expansion side SC Nashville.
SC Nashville came into Toronto’s new home ground, Rentschler Field in East Hartford looking for the upset.
Nashville played a brilliant road game, defeating TFC 1-0 in extra time on a goal by Daniel Rios.
“The disappointment and frustration is big right now, said TFC captain Michael Bradley.
Nashville scored in the second half of extra time (108th minute) when Rios picked up a loose ball in front of a wide-open net after a great save by TFC goalkeeper Quentin Westberg.
Toronto dominated possession against Nashville controlling 62% of possession.
While Toronto controlled possession it was Nashville who generated the bulk of the offence in the match.
Nashville managed 21 shots in the contest mustering six shots on goal.
Both sides played a 4-2-3-1 formation on Wednesday.
Toronto struggled in the ladder part of the regular season, especially when it came to scoring goals.
Those struggles continued on Wednesday, even with Pablo Piatti returning from injury.
As Nashville boasted the stingiest defence in the league during the regular season Toronto was in tough on Wednesday night.
Armed by defender of the year Walker Zimmerman at the back, Nashville conceded 22 goals during the regular season. Only the Columbus Crew (21) and Supporters’ Shield-winning Philadelphia Union (20) allowed fewer than the expansion side.
Torontos season ends in disappointment this season but Toronto will look to come back strong next season, hopefully under better circumstances.
