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LA Galaxy and Toronto FC make late run for MLS playoffs

Wednesday night’s Toronto FC vs. LA Galaxy game in Major League Soccer ended in a 2-2 draw. The game was bombarded with end-to-end action. World Cup veterans Michael Bradley and Javier Hernández were both pounding the hybrid grass at BMO Field in Canada. The two clubs’ mainstays were joined by their newly acquired, high-profile teammates: Riqui Puig from Barcelona and the dynamic duo from Italy – Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne.

Early doors, Toronto FC goalkeeper Alex Bono came through with multiple saves, playing an integral part in helping The Reds escape the match in a draw. In the first half, the Galaxy was relentless in their attack. By the 24th minute, Douglas Costa scored an incredible goal on a set-piece outside the 18-yard box, giving the Carson outfit a comfortable lead for the remainder of the first 45.

In the second half, Insigne and Bernardeschi continued to display their fluid rapport. Bernardeschi scored on a cross from his compatriot with an outside volley. However, the No. 10 was offside. But Toronto FC did not concede defeat. They continued to press, with team captain Michael Bradley leading the pursuit with his brilliant hold-up play. In the 62nd minute, Bradley’s second assist led to No. 9 Jesús Jiménez, who equalized the match with a sitter.

Toronto fighting for a place in the MLS playoffs

Nevertheless, FC Toronto didn’t budge. The Reds continued to press into the final third. Bernardeschi’s corner kick found Insigne’s bicycle kick that went wide.

With the match tied at one a piece, Toronto continued to seek opportunities to gain the lead. Using this momentum, Federico Bernardeschi led a blitz on a counterattack. A late tackle from Raheem Edwards took Bernardeschi down inside the penalty box. Toronto was awarded a penalty, and the Italian No. 10 stepped up, slotting the ball into the back of the net, 2-1.

Having given up the lead, LA Galaxy had to retaliate. Just before the final whistle, Riqui Puig scored a screamer from outside the box, burying the ball into the far post. The goal was ‘worldie,’ giving LA Galaxy a taste of what the 23-year-old Spaniard promises to deliver.

The top seven Western and Eastern Conference teams will make the playoffs in October. However, LA Galaxy and Toronto FC are making a late run for MLS glory. With seven matches remaining in the 2022/23 season for the Galaxy, and five for Toronto, the two clubs are on the prowl. The Galaxy is in 8th place, just one point behind the #7 Portland Timbers. In the East, Toronto is in 10th, trailing 2 points behind 7th place Inter Miami.

Upcoming schedule for LA Galaxy and Toronto FC

On Sunday, September 4th, LA Galaxy will host Sporting KC, while Toronto will host Montreal. Both matches are available for streaming on ESPN+.

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2 Comments

2 Comments

  1. Roberto

    September 11, 2022 at 1:15 pm

    The above article seems to have put a hex on these two teams. Toronto spent big on attacking players but did not add quality to their defense, so Atlanta who have been struggling came from behind with 3 headed goals by one of their defenders to win 4-3.
    Meanwhile LAFC who dominated the first 2/3rd of the season have lost their chemistry since the big names were added. Dallas scored from a dead ball foul while LA were complaining. A lot like Kane to Son while Maguire looked baffled. Ferreira makes the fans say, Pepi who?
    There were several other good games, Seattle has made changes to their starters and now look good but it may be too late. In the early game Charlotte scored early and then played almost half the game with 10 men but held on to win. NYCFC is also a team that looked good first half of the season but is now struggling.
    Philly are playing great football and dominating their oppenents!

  2. Roberto

    September 2, 2022 at 8:41 am

    What if the MLS had almost 2 Billion dollars to spend every six months!
    This was a good game and showed what happens when some quality is added to team rosters. Hopefully soon the MLS will change their spending limits. The fear of becoming another NASL is fading but they do need to still be careful, the new media rights should help.

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