Expansion-club Nashville upsets 2019 runner-up Toronto FC

Posted November 24, 2020 6:00 am

The Associated Press

Toronto FC's Nick DeLeon, center, challenges Nashville SC's Alex Muyl, left, as Nashville's Alistair Johnston watches during the first half of an MLS soccer playoff match Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) The Associated Press

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Daniel RÃos scored in the 108th minute and Nashville beat the defending Eastern Conference champion Toronto FC 1-0 on Tuesday night, becoming the first expansion team to win two MLS Cup playoff games.

RÃos followed Hany Mukhtar's shot that Toronto goalkeeper Quentin Westberg got a hand on, and tapped it into the back of the net. Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis sealed it with two close-range saves in the 121st minute, earning his MLS-leading 10th shutout of the season.

Nashville, which had three goals called back for being in an offside position, will play on Sunday at Columbus in the semifinals.

Nashville had three good scoring opportunities midway through the second half. Mukhtar sailed an open header from inside the 6-yard box in the 72nd minute, Randall Leal sent a volley over the crossbar in the 75th and Alex Muyl pushed another header wide in the 76th. The Reds were outshot 21-10.

Toronto was the first MLS team to clinch a playoff spot this season, but closed by losing four of its last five games.

Nashville SC's Randall Leal, right front, trips over the foot of Toronto FC's Michael Bradley during the first half of an MLS soccer playoff match Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) The Associated Press

Toronto FC's Richie Laryea, right, controls the ball as Nashville SC's Alex Muyl defends during the first half of an MLS soccer playoff match Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) The Associated Press

Nashville SC's Hany Mukhtar, left, and Toronto FC's Michael Bradley vie for control of the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer playoff match Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2020, in East Hartford, Conn. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill) The Associated Press

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