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Photo Credit: Josh Kim / Northern Tribune
Toronto FC Beats Austin FC For Much-Needed Playoff Push Victory
By In what was a crucial home game Toronto FC, the Reds faced Austin FC as the regular season slowly comes to a near end – and with the Reds sitting in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and in the first two spots for the conferences wild-card match, every remaining game is vital if they are to contend for a spot in the postseason to compete for the MLS title.
The game began in front of eager home crowd wanting a full three points. Their last home win was in the Canadian Championship semi-final second league where they surpassed Forge FC to reach the Canadian Championship Final.
Captain Jonathan Osorio. who was one of the few Reds who missed the league home loss to DC United, did not disappoint in his return to play as he would open the scoring quite early in the seventh minute of play to give Toronto an early 1-0 lead. The opener was assisted by Deandre Kerr, who’s ball to the TFC captain allowed him to make a long deep run from midfield into the box and strike it beautifully past Austin FC keeper Brad Stuver.
Deandre Kerr would soon find his name on the scoring sheet after assisting Jonathan Osorio in the 7th minute, as a link-up from Richie Laryea down the left side and into the box in the 30th minute would give the hosts a firm two-nil lead after half an hour played.
Austin FC would score their sole goal in the second half after a long pass from the other end of the field would find Owen Wolff right outside of the box and with some quick movements Wolff would strike the ball past Toronto’s defense and goalkeeper Sean Johnson to give Austin the hopes of coming back late.
Yet, Austin’s hope of securing any points as they also chase for playoff position would be shattered as Sean Johnson would come up big for the remaining minutes of play earning himself Man of the Match honours.
The goalkeeper made several big stops on the night. One of Johnson’s most notable saves comes in the first half of play where he came up big to deny Austin FC from equalizing in the 25th minute.
Toronto FC remain in eighth place in the Eastern Conference and in the first two spots for the wild-card match. They’re in contention for an automatic position in the playoffs by being just two points away from seventh place after securing three points at BMO Field.
The Reds’ next game is up is a difficult one against the Columbus Crew, which will take place on Wednesday at BMO Field once again.
Header Image Photo Credit: Josh Kim / Northern Tribune
