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TORONTO, Ont. — In what would’ve been a fitting way Saturday night, Toronto FC officially clinched a playoff berth in the 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Reds overcame a busy September stretch to extend their MLS-unbeaten run to eight games despite a late-Mavinga penalty that cost Toronto the full three points over the first-place LAFC at Banc of California Stadium — a statement game for the Reds, who have been one of the hottest teams in the league of late.
Despite Toronto having to settle for a 1-1 draw thanks to a late Carlos Vela penalty, the Reds still clinched a spot in the post-season thanks to a Montreal Impact loss across town to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s LA Galaxy.
Tsubasa Endoh scored the lone goal for Toronto in the 19th minute after impressive build-up play by the Reds, who played arguably their best half of the season in the opening 45’.
.@JozyAltidore linking up with @tsubasa_endoh early to give TFC the lead. @TorontoFC 1 - 0 @LAFC #TFCLive | #LAFCvTOR pic.twitter.com/IA8yp5pORJ
— Waking the Red (@WakingtheRed) September 22, 2019
The Reds currently sit in fourth place with 46 points, one ahead of DC United who play their game-in-hand tomorrow. TFC has two games remaining: at Chicago Fire on Sept. 29 and Columbus at home on Oct. 10 to close out the regular-season.
TFC will now shift their focus to the Voyageurs Cup, as they’re down 1-0 to the Impact heading into the final leg of the Canadian Championship at BMO Field Wednesday night.
What a season this is turning out to be for the Reds. Enjoy the ride.