Toronto FC's Alejandro Pozuelo (10) fights for control of the ball with New York City FC's Alexander Ring, right, and Alexander Callens, left, during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference soccer semifinal Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Associated Press
NEW YORK (AP) - Alejandro Pozuelo converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute for his second goal of the game and Toronto FC beat top-seeded New York City FC 2-1 on Wednesday night in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Playing without striker Jozy Altidore (quad) and defender Omar Gonzalez (hamstring), Toronto advanced to face the winner of Philadelphia-Atlanta game Thursday night on Oct. 30 for a spot in the MLS Cup. It's Toronto's third Eastern Conference final in the last four seasons.
Pozuelo scored in the 47th by intercepting an ill-advised header to the goalkeeper and sliding it inside the post. On the winner, he sent Sean Johnson diving the wrong way with a chip shot down the middle.
Ismael Tajouri-Shradi tied it in the 69th, sending home Maximiliano Moralez's cross at the back post.
The game was played at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, because of the Yankees' playoff run.
New York City FC's Alexander Callens, below, tries to tackle Toronto FC's Tsubasa Endoh during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinal soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Associated Press
Toronto FC's Tsubasa Endoh, left, fights for control of the ball with New York City FC's Ronald Matarrita (22) during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinal soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Associated Press
New York City FC's Maxime Chanot (4) fights for control of the ball with Toronto FC's Jonathan Osorio (21)during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinal soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Associated Press
Toronto FC's Michael Bradley (4) grabs the jersey of New York City FC's Ronald Matarrita (22) during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinal soccer match Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Associated Press
New York City FC's goalkeeper Sean Johnson stops a shot on the goal during the first half of an MLS Eastern Conference semifinal soccer match against Toronto FC on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2019, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
The Associated Press