Osorio’s Late Goal Salvages Draw for Toronto FC, Ends Montreal’s Playoff Hopes
TORONTO – Jonathan osorio scored in teh 89th minute, lifting toronto FC to a 1-1 draw wiht CF Montreal on Saturday and eliminating Montreal from MLS playoff contention.
Montreal (5-15-9) appeared poised for victory with Dante Sealy’s 83rd-minute header, a result that would have delayed elimination. Bryce Duke delivered the free kick from the edge of the penalty box that led to the goal.
Osorio rescued Toronto (5-13-10) with his 68th career goal for TFC in all competitions, powerfully striking a rebound off Jules-Anthony Vilsaint’s shot after Thomas Gillier initially saved it.
Vilsaint, a former Montreal player, nearly won the game in overtime, hitting the crossbar. Shortly after, Montreal’s Ivan Jaime, making his MLS debut, also struck the crossbar.
Despite extending their unbeaten run in MLS play to five games (2-0-3), Montreal’s playoff hopes ended. Toronto FC secured their fourth consecutive draw.
A loss to Montreal,combined with a Red Bulls win over Columbus,would have ended TFC’s playoff chances.
The derby match was energetic, though not polished, before an announced crowd of 27,076 at BMO Field. The game intensified in the final moments.
Montreal controlled possession for much of the first half but failed to capitalize. Toronto outshot Montreal 17-11 overall (5-2 in shots on target).
Toronto goalkeeper Sean Johnson made a crucial save in the 81st minute, denying Prince Owusu’s header and preserving the tie.
toronto appealed for a penalty in the 54th minute when Johnson’s clearance found Djordje Mihailovic behind the defense. Both Polish defender Dawid Bugaj and Mihailovic fell in the Montreal penalty box, but referee Drew Fischer allowed play to continue.
Video review scrutinized another play minutes later when Toronto captain Jonathan Osorio went down in the box. The referee again waved play on.
Toronto held 12th place in the Eastern Conference with one point ahead of 13th-place Montreal before the weekend’s games. The Red Bulls tied Columbus 0-0.