Toronto FC 1st to book MLS playoff berth after ravaging San Jose

With the most goals scored and the fewest conceded, an astounding plus-33 goal differential, and a scant three defeats, Toronto FC has been the class of Major League Soccer this season.

Last year's bridesmaid is now also the first side to book a playoff berth after Saturday's one-sided 4-0 defeat of 10-man San Jose Earthquakes was followed with some help from a familiar foe.

It was fitting that it comes at the expense of rival Montreal, who on Saturday cemented Toronto's playoff berth courtesy of their 1-0 loss to the New England Revolution.

League assists leader Victor Vazquez got the ball rolling for Toronto FC with a 27th-minute opener before Jozy Altidore scored a pair on either side of the interval for a commanding 3-0 advantage. Local boy Jonathan Osorio made it four to the good in the 67th minute as TFC rolled to a comfortable victory.

The club has now won five of its last six matches, outscoring opponents 22-4 over that spell, including results over Eastern Conference adversaries New York City FC, Chicago Fire, and Montreal.

Greg Vanney's lot is now nine points from breaking the LA Galaxy's 1998 record for points in a season (68) with six matches to play, as TFC aims to become the first side from outside the United States to lift the Supporters' Shield.