Toronto FC delivers first ever MLS playoff win in convincing fashion
TORONTO — Captain Michael Bradley had a slice of pizza and a slug of Gatorade. Coach Greg Vanney treated himself to a tall boy.
As far as locker-room celebrations go, it was decidedly muted. Especially when it came after removing a giant monkey off the back of Toronto FC with the franchise’s first ever playoff win in 10 seasons.
Vanney’s team rose to the occasion Wednesday in ending the post-season drought in convincing fashion. Sebastian Giovinco scored one goal and helped set up the other two to lead Toronto to a 3-1 win over the Philadelphia Union in an MLS first-round knockout game.
Toronto, which finished third in the Eastern Conference, will now host second-place New York City FC on Sunday in the opening game of the two-legged Eastern semifinal.