Alejandro Pozuelo drilled the game-winning penalty kick in the 84th minute, sending Toronto FC to a 2-1 win over Inter Miami CF at Rentschler Field at Pratt & Whitney Stadium on Sunday, and keeping the Reds' Supporters' Shield hopes alive.
The result draws Toronto level with the Philadelphia Union at the top of the league table, as the Union missed a chance to all but seal it for themselves with their 2-1 Sunday defeat to Columbus Crew SC.
Inter Miami jumped on top as the game approached halftime after a cross from Lewis Morgan was deflected away by Toronto goalkeeper Quentin Westberg, but right into the path of Blaise Matuidi. The Frenchman expertly slotted home the rebound finish for his first MLS goal.
Toronto would strike back in the 55th, courtesy of Ayo Akinola's ninth goal of the season. The 20-year-old forward sized up an arching cross from Patrick Mullins into the penalty box, chested it down to himself, and coolly slotted home the equalizer past Inter Miami goalkeeper John McCarthy.
The Reds then found the game-winner just minutes from full time, as Richie Laryea drew a penalty kick after Inter Miami's Ben Sweat was whistled for bringing him down near the touchline in his own box.
That allowed Pozuelo to stride to the spot, where the Spaniard made no mistake with the decisive finish.
Goals
- 42' - MIA - Blaise Matuidi | WATCH
- 55' - TOR - Ayo Akinola | WATCH
- 84' - TOR - Alejandro Pozuelo (PK) | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: They had to grind it out, but it's a crucial three points for Toronto as they clawed back to level terms with Philly. It makes for a compelling Decision Day, as the Shield race will come down all the way to the wire. It's a missed opportunity for Inter Miami, who had the lead and a chance to put themselves back in the Eastern Conference playoff mix. As it stands, their expansion season would end without a postseason berth.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The late penalty on Sweat and Pozuelo's subsequent finish was the most consequential moment of this one, and Toronto may have it to thank if they wind up taking the Shield.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: After Laryea came on as a second-half substitute, he made that moment happen by drawing the PK. The 25-year-old continues to show why he's developed into one of the best right backs in MLS.
Next Up
- TOR: Sunday, November 8 at New York Red Bulls (3:30 pm ET | TSN 4 in Canada; MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US)
- MIA: Sunday, November 8 vs. FC Cincinnati (3:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
