Toronto’s Jozy Altidore Sets MLS Playoff Record In 5-2 Eastern Conference Final Vs Montreal Impact

Toronto FC defeated the Montreal Impact 5-2 (7-5 on aggregate) in extra time at home in Wednesday’s Eastern Conference Final to reach the 2016 MLS Cup Final, and Jozy Altidore set a new record in the MLS playoffs in the process.

Toronto’s Jozy Altidore Sets MLS Playoff Record

Altidore, a U.S. Men’s National Team member, became the first player to score in five consecutive playoff games.

Montreal defeated Toronto 3-2 in the first leg last week. Atlidore’s goal, a header off a corner kick in the 44th minute, put Toronto ahead on tiebreakers. His goal was particularly impressive because it came on a very tight angle.

TFC substitute Benoit Cheyrou scored moments after coming on for the injured Sebastian Giovinco during the extra session, and fellow sub Tosaint Ricketts put the game away two minutes later.

Toronto played a very strong game on Wednesday, and didn’t give up whenever things went south for them. Instead of being discouraged by Dominic Oduro’s opener, the Reds amped up their aggressive playing style. They also could have given up after Ignacio Piatti netted the Impact’s second goal, one that proved to be controversial– Oduro appeared to be offside on the play, and the ball slowly rolled into the goal.

Nevertheless, Toronto roared back to secure the win. A short corner give-and-go from Armando Cooper to Justin Morrow and back set up a Nick Hagglund header that again put Toronto ahead, and locked the aggregate score at 5 to force extra time.

TFC will next host the Seattle Sounders on Dec. 10 in the 2016 MLS Cup Final. It will mark the first appearance in the domestic final for each team: Toronto entered the league in 2007; Seattle followed in 2009. It will also mark the first time an MLS original franchise will not compete for MLS Cup.

TORONTO, ON – NOVEMBER 30: Jozy Altidore #17 of Toronto FC celebrates a goal during the first half of the MLS Eastern Conference Final, Leg 2 game against Montreal Impact at BMO Field on November 30, 2016 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)