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PLAYOFF GAME THREAD: Toronto FC vs. Philadelphia Union

It’s time.

Philadelphia Union vs Montreal Impact Photo Gallery Trey Madara / Brotherly Game

Five long years have gone by since Philadelphia Union fans experienced for themselves the postseason. That drought ends tonight, as the Union head up to Toronto to face Toronto FC. It’s been a wild ride to get to this point. The Union started out like a house afire and lead the Eastern Conference for the first half of the season before getting just 16 out of a possible 51 points during the second half, squeaking into the playoffs on goal differential. But they’re in, and any team in the playoffs has a shot.

Toronto FC on the other hand surged during the second half of the season, getting 30 of 51 possible points. They lead the Eastern Conference and were in the Supporters’ Shield hunt before an injury sidelined star forward Sebastian Giovinco late in the season.

None of that matters now. It’s a one game season, and anything can happen.

UNION PLAYOFF GAME #1
VS
Venue: BMO Field (Toronto, ON)
Date: October 26, 2016
Time: 4:00 PM
Television: United States - ESPN2, UniMás; Canada - RDS 2, TSN2
Online Streaming: MLS Live, WatchESPN, TSN GO
Match preview: Toronto FC vs. Philadelphia Union
Toronto FC set for single-elimination home clash with Philadelphia Union
Starting XI
Sebastian Giovinco, Jozy Altidore Forward CJ Sapong
Justin Morrow, Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, Armando Cooper, Steven Beitashour Midfield Chris Pontius, Tranquillo Barnetta, Fabian Herbers; Warren Creavalle, Alejandro Bedoya
Nick Hagglund, Drew Moor, Eriq Zavaleta, Defense Fabinho, Richie Marquez, Ken Tribbett, Keegan Rosenberry
Clint Irwin Goalkeeper Andre Blake
Alex Bono, Josh Williams, Mark Bloom, Benoit Cheyrou, Will Johnson, Marky Delgado, Tosaint Ricketts Bench John McCarthy, Ray Gaddis, Auston Trusty, Roland Alberg, Brian Carroll, Ilsinho, Charlie Davies
Numbers of Note
16 - Philadelphia conceded 16 less goals than Toronto in the 2016 Regular Season.
32 - Combined total of goals and assists for Sebastian Giovinco during the 2016 Regular Season
0 - How much any stats from the regular season matter in the postseason.
Game Officials
Referee: Baldomero Toledo
Assistant: CJ Morgante
Assistant: Ian Anderson
Fourth: Silviu Petrescu