With the MLS playoffs a dream that disappeared long ago, Toronto FC had one thing left to play for in 2011. They had a place in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals to try and win.
Standing in their way was FC Dallas, one of the better teams in MLS, a team that needed just a draw on Tuesday night at their home ground to reach the Champions League quarterfinals.
Instead of a win or a draw, FC Dallas was abused by TFC midfielder Joao Plata, who scored two goals and set up a third to lead Toronto to a historic 3-0 victory at Pizza Hut Park.
The win capped an incredible comeback for Toronto FC, which looked to be done in group play after a 4-0 thrashing by UNAM Pumas on Sept. 14 looked to take the life out of TFC's quarterfinal hopes. Toronto responded to that loss with a 2-0-1 run in its final three group matches, capped by Tuesday's convincing victory.
Toronto withstood some early pressure from Dallas on Tuesday, but put the pressure on Dallas in the 29th minute when Plata set up a Danny Koevermans goal. The Dutch striker swung and missed on his initial shot, but recovered in time to beat Kevin Hartman from close range.
FC Dallas' normally potent attack never did get going, and the lack of a dangerous striker to test Toronto FC's central defense became a glaring weakness as Brek Shea and Marvin Chavez struggled to create.
Plata sealed the victory with a pair of second half goals, finishing off a beautiful sequence in the 69th minute before out-racing the Dallas defense in the 81st minute for his second goal and the official start of Toronto's victory celebration.
The victory marked Toronto FC's first time qualifying for the Champions League quarterfinals, and now TFC could wind up winning Group C if UNAM Pumas fails to defeat Tauro FC when the team's meet in Mexico on Wednesday night. TFC joined the Los Angeles Galaxy as the second MLS team to qualify for the quarterfinals.
The defeat eliminated FC Dallas from the Champions League, a disappointing end after the club started so brightly in group play by becoming the first MLS team to win an official match in Mexico. The team's 2-0 start couldn't offset an eventual eight-match winless slump in all competitions.
Here are the match highlights:
What did you think of Toronto FC's performance? See TFC making a deep run? Still stunned FC Dallas crashed out of the competition?
Share your thoughts below.
