Toronto FC gives up last-minute lead, then scores four extra-time goals to defeat D.C. United in MLS playoff opener

Rudi Schuller

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Toronto FC gives up last-minute lead, then scores four extra-time goals to defeat D.C. United in MLS playoff opener image

It was starting to look as though the Toronto FC of old had made an unwanted comeback.

TFC opened the scoring in the 32nd minute of its first-round MLS playoff match against D.C. United at BMO Field on Saturday and appeared to be comfortably heading for the Eastern Conference semifinals — before giving up a tying goal in the 93rd minute of regulation. The goal forced 30 minutes of extra time, with momentum firmly on the side of the visitors.

Or so they thought.

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Just three minutes into the first half of extra time, Toronto's Richie Laryea bombed down the right flank to the D.C. goal mouth and slid the ball under an onrushing Bill Hamid into the United net. That sent the crowd of 25,331 into raptures and set the tone for what would become a wild 15-minute stretch.

The cheering had barely subsided when Jonathan Osorio added to TFC's lead twice in the next 10 minutes to put the game on ice.

Nick DeLeon joined the fun moments before halftime of extra time. The former D.C. midfielder scored the goal of the night, an impressive curling effort from the top of the penalty area.

Up 5-1 with 15 minutes still left to play, TFC eased off the gas and ran out the clock in front of the appreciative home crowd.

TFC's outburst turned out to be historic.

The five goals to Toronto were the first markers D.C. allowed since Aug. 24.

Toronto moves on to meet New York City FC at Citi Field on Oct. 23.

Rudi Schuller