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Jozy Altidore’s Moment Of Madness Just Doomed Toronto’s Playoff Push

It was only 109 days ago that Toronto FC was being hailed as the greatest side in MLS history after pushing Chivas to a penalty shootout in the final of the CONCACAF Champions League. Now, TFC’s in very real danger of missing the MLS Cup Playoffs and a chance at defending its 2017 title. 

On Sunday, Toronto was defeated 3-2 by Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC in front of nearly 28,000 at BMO Field. It was a massive match for the Reds and a crucial opportunity to cut into the seven-point gap that separates them from Montreal for the East’s sixth and final playoff spot. 

However, the Canadian side got off to a nightmare start when Jozy Altidore hacked down Alexander Callens right in front of the linesman with the ball clearly out of play. The 28-year-old was issued a straight red card for the offense — his first since that 2017 playoff altercation with Sacha Kjlestan

Four minutes later, David Villa gave NYCFC the advantage with his ninth goal in 14 games this season. 

However, Toronto quickly equalized through their own star man, Italian Sebastian Giovinco. The strike was Giovinco’s eighth in 20 appearances. 

We knew we were in for a fiendishly wild one when Ismael Tajouri-Shradi restored NYCFC’s first half advantage in the 36th minute. 

Down a man but unperturbed, Toronto drew even via Victor Vazquez in the 51st.

But Toronto’s heroic effort would come up short. In the 88th, Tajouri-Shradi scored his brace, and what a sensational strike it was. 

The win keeps NYCFC in the thick of the Supporters’ Shield race and easing towards a playoff spot in the East. Toronto sits seven points out of sixth with only 11 games remaining. 

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