NYCFC Eliminated From MLS Playoffs After Costly Penalty In Final Minute

Alejandro Pozuelo converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute for his second goal of the game and Toronto FC beat top-seeded New York City FC 2-1 on Wednesday night in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Playing without striker Jozy Altidore (quad) and defender Omar Gonzalez (hamstring), Toronto advanced to face the winner of Philadelphia-Atlanta game Thursday night on Oct. 30 for a spot in the MLS Cup. It’s Toronto’s third Eastern Conference final in the last four seasons.

Pozuelo scored in the 47th by intercepting an ill-advised header to the goalkeeper and sliding it inside the post. On the winner, he sent Sean Johnson diving the wrong way with a chip shot down the middle.

Ronald Matarrita made a reckless tackle in the box to give Toronto that game-winning penalty shot.

Ismael Tajouri-Shradi tied it in the 69th, sending home Maximiliano Moralez’s cross at the back post.

The game was played at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets, because of the Yankees’ playoff run.