The game between Toronto FC and the New England Revolution ended without goals, 0-0. However, it was something that suited both sides as they advanced to the knockout stage of the MLS is Back tournament.
With a point each, both Toronto and the Revolution are now safe for the next part of the tournament. They both have five points each, and even if DC United beats Montreal Impact and jumps over them in the standings, that won’t matter.
Toronto is first because of the better goal difference, that is because of more goals scored. Right now, they are 6-5, while Revolution sits at 2-1. DC is 3-3 but is yet to play against Impact, and if they win with a two-goal margin, the team from the USA capital will be No.1 in Group C, and New England would go down to place No.3. Because of five points won, they are through in the third-placed rankings.
The game itself included several chances for scoring, most of them in the second part of the clash.
Revolution had the best opportunity for scoring with Adam Buksa in the main role. His shot from nearby was stopped by Alex Bono’s incredible save. Toronto’s goalkeeper reacted very well, cutting the angle for his rival and preventing what was supposed to be a sure score for NE.
On the other side, the best scorer of the tournament, Ayo Akinola had a solid chance in the 80th minute. He reached the ball in front of one defender, got rid of him and then took a shot towards the goal, but Matt Turner stopped his effort.
Next stop: Round of 16#NERevs | #MLSisBack pic.twitter.com/JPUVQBEyD4
— New England Revolution (@NERevolution) July 21, 2020
Later on, Akinola fell in the box, with the referee immediately pointing towards the penalty spot, but after checking the VAR system, he overturned the initial call.
Overall, the Canadian side was better in this encounter, having the ball more in its feet, 60%-40%, and making more goal attempts. We might say that if it weren’t for Tuner in front of the Revolution’s goal, things would be pretty messy for them.
This is the 15th straight match in the regular part of the season for FC in which they haven’t lost.
The knockout stage of the tournament starts on July 25.