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Top seed New York City FC fell to Toronto FC on Wednesday night, meaning that the winner of tomorrow’s match between the Union and Atlanta United will host the Eastern Conference Final.
TFC made their lone trip to Talen Energy Stadium back in March, when they won 3-1 in the season opener. Two goals from Michael Bradley—who capitalized on Haris Medunjanin’s early defensive troubles in the then-new 4-1-2-1-2—were enough to take all three points home from Chester. The Union won, 2-1, in the return leg on May 11, during their best stretch of the season.
The Eastern Conference Final will be played on October 30. The Union may face some competition for eyeballs both locally and nationally, with the Sixers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves and a potential World Series Game 7 on that night.
Even though Omar Gonzalez and Jozy Altidore missed out due to injury, TFC managed to advance on Wednesday night thanks to two huge gaffes from the home team.
Alejandro Pozuelo opened up the scoring early in the second half. The Spanish midfielder—playing as more of a False 9 on the night—collected an errant headed back-pass from Maxime Chanot and calmly slotted past Sean Johnson.
NYCFC evened it up in the 69th minute through Ismael Tajouri-Shradi, locking the game at one as extra time loomed. TFC’s breakthrough came in the 90th minute. NYCFC left back Ronald Matarrita cleaned out Toronto’s Richie Laryea in the NYCFC 18’, giving referee Jair Marrufo a very easy decision. Pozuelo stepped up to the spot and lofted a shot over a diving Sean Johnson.