D.C. United defeated at BMO Field 5-1 in the opening round of the Audi 2019 MLS Cup Playoffs to Toronto FC. Marco Delgado found the back of the net in the 32nd minute to break the deadlock. Midfielder, Lucas Rodriguez tied the match three minutes into second-half stoppage time. In extra time, Toronto scored four goals to advance to the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals against New York City FC.
The game’s opening minutes were evenly matched, in terms of offensive opportunities as D.C. United looked to weather the early storm and settle into the match. Alejandro Pozuelo uncorked a dipping shot that was parried by goalkeeper Bill Hamid into the pathway of Delgado who then fired in the rebound. Toronto would take a 1-0 lead into the locker room at half time.
D.C. United opened up offensively in the second half after an injury forced Felipe Martins to withdraw from the match and Forward Ola Kamara came on to the pitch as a second striker alongside Wayne Rooney.
Midway through the second half, Rooney had two scoring opportunities turned away by goalkeeper Quentin Westberg. In the 64th minute, Rooney cut back onto his right foot and took a strong shot from just outside the 18. The shot was placed to central and Westberg made the save. Just a minute later, the ball found Rooney in the center of the box after Joesph Mora provided the cross from the left-wing. Rooney’s shot was again saved by Westberg.
Toronto’s number seven, Nicolas Benezet gifted Kamara a golden opportunity in the 77th minute after a wayward backpass fell to the Norwegian inside the box. Kamara took a left-footed volley but once again Westberg was able to stifle the attempt. In final moments of regulation, Rooney whipped in a corner kick, the ball rattled around inside the box and eventually, Rodriguez popped the ball into the back of the net to tie the match 1-1 in the 93rd minute.
Toronto FC found the back of the net four times in the first 15 minutes of extra time. Richie Laryea scored inside the box in the 93rd minute of extra time. Jonathan Osorio added two more in the 95th and 103rd and Nick DeLeon capped off the scoring with a screamer in stoppage time of the first extra-time period. Toronto would go on to win the match 5-1. Hamid finished the match with 12 saves.
Toronto FC will now face NYCFC in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals on Wednesday, Oct. 23rd starting at 7 PM at Citi Field.
