Toronto FC misses out on playoff bye, will face Philadelphia in knockout game
Toronto FC ended the regular-season on a winning note Sunday, missing out on a first-round playoff bye but not short on confidence as it prepares to face the Philadelphia Union in a midweek MLS knockout game.
Led by Sebastian Giovinco’s goal and assist, Toronto defeated the lowly Chicago Fire 3-2 to up its single-season franchise record to 53 points.
Toronto, which started the day in third place, had needed to beat Chicago and have New York City FC tie or lose to Columbus to vault past NYCFC into second in the Eastern Conference and get the first-round bye.
NYCFC did not co-operate, scoring three late goals to win 4-1. So instead of having a week to prepare for the Eastern Conference semifinal, Toronto (14-9-11) will now host Philadelphia (11-14-9) on Wednesday.