TFC ousted from MLS playoffs after extra-time defeat to Nashville
Nashville SC continued their unexpected playoff run with a 1-0 victory over Toronto FC on Tuesday, reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals in their first season in Major League Soccer.
With a hat-trick of goals ruled offside and a number of chances missed, Nashville finally broke through in the 108th minute of extra time when Hany Mukhtar shrugged off three defenders and fired a shot that keeper Quentin Westberg couldn't contain. Substitute Daniel Rios had the honor of sweeping home the winner.
Nashville will face Columbus Crew on Sunday.
TFC went into the playoffs on two weeks' rest, but the time off seemed to rob the 2017 MLS Cup champions of the momentum Nashville clearly had. The expansion side picked up four wins in their last seven matches of the regular season - including a wild 3-2 comeback win over Orlando City on Decision Day - and beat Inter Miami 3-0 in the play-in round to set up Tuesday's one-off quarterfinal.
Nashville came close to scoring on several occasions, with Alex Muyl and Mukhtar sending headers wide from close range. As extra time loomed, Westberg denied Nashville again, stopping defender Walker Zimmerman's effort from point-blank range.
But ultimately, TFC caved, and Nashville got the goal that eluded them all match.