Nashville SC travels to Toronto FC in Round One of MLS Cup Playoffs: Live updates, scores, observations

Daniel Rios was the first player Nashville SC signed to an MLS contract in December 2018. The 25-year-old central striker wasn’t brought on board as a designated player but was asked to prove his worth in America’s top flight. Rios did just that against Toronto FC.

Rios scored an extra time rebound goal Tuesday in the 108th minute to secure No. 7 seed Nashville’s 1-0 MLS Cup Playoffs first-round upset of No. 2 seed Toronto FC at Rentschler Field in Hartford, Connecticut.

Nashville will play at No. 3 seed Columbus Crew in the Eastern Conference semifinals on Sunday.

Here’s five observations from Tuesday’s match.

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Last SlideNext Slide How Nashville fared in extra time

On any other occasion this season, Nashville would have felt accomplishment by earning a draw and one point on the road against one of the best teams in MLS. Tuesday was Nashville’s first match that required extra time to decide the winner. And an MLS expansion team secured the win.

“It’s better when we have a game end like that,” Rios said after the match. “Because we suffered in small moments in the first half and the team did great, not conceding goals. 

“I mean, I did my part of my job as I (substitute) in the second half, trying to lead the team with energy, good choices and good decisions. And at the end, I think I got rewarded and the team got rewarded because it was a great team (win). I think that our team played phenomenal tonight.”

Nov 24, 2020; East Hartford, CT, USA; Nashville SC forward Daniel Rios (14) reacts as he exits the field after defeating Toronto FC extra time in the Eastern Conference Play in Round at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

 (Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports) Three Nashville goals called back

The officials accurately called offside three times against Nashville. But the sting for Nashville didn’t hurt less because of it.

Central striker and designated player Jhonder Cádiz saw an assistant referee call back two of his goals. The first came in the 13th minute, when Dan Lovitz’s cross from the left flank connected with Cádiz, who was by himself 10 yards from goal but was a full stride behind the Toronto defense.

On the second, Lovitz played a free kick into the 18-yard box, where Dax McCarty headed the ball farther into the red and yellow cluster. Cádiz leaped over a Toronto defender to beat goalkeeper Quentin Westberg for a second time. 

Rios was substituted for Cádiz in the 71st minute.

In extra time, Hany Mukhtar raced past Toronto captain Michael Bradley, took three dribbles and chipped goalkeeper Quentin Westberg for the canceled goal. 

Nov 24, 2020; East Hartford, CT, USA; Nashville SC forward Daniel Rios (14) reacts with teammates after scoring against Toronto FC during the second half of extra time in the Eastern Conference Play in Round at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

 (Photo: David Butler II, David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports) Both sides missed scoring chances

Toronto’s Nick DeLeon missed his best chance in 67 minutes played on Nashville goalkeeper Joe Willis’ doorstep in the 26th minute. Mukhtar and Alex Muyl sent headers over the bar within 10 yards of goal in the 72nd and 75th minute, respectively.

Toronto’s Alejandro Pozuelo and Nashville’s Randall Leal squandered chances shortly thereafter. DeLeon’s opportunity in the first half was the only shot on goal for either side in the first half. After intermission, Toronto would have four.

Nov 24, 2020; East Hartford, CT, USA; Nashville SC forward Daniel Rios (14) reacts after scoring against Toronto FC during the second half of extra time in the Eastern Conference Play in Round at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field.

 (Photo: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports) Brian Anunga aids in Godoy absence

Central midfielder Brian Anunga filled in for an injured Anibal Godoy (hamstring) and the Nashville spine of the team had no hiccups. Similar to Godoy, Anunga is a destroyer who will harass opposing attacking midfielders out of possession. Anunga succeeded in that.

The 24-year-old from Cameroon played next to McCarty. That provided a youth-experience balance that boasted a lot of energy from Anunga and smart decisions with the ball from McCarty, the captain. 

Godoy had injured the same left hamstring against Orlando City Nov. 8 and it took 12 days for the Panama National Team member to rehab. It is unclear if Godoy will be available against Columbus.

Up next

Nashville’s match at MAPFRE Stadium in Columbus will be the second meeting between the two this season. Nashville lost 2-0 Sept. 19.

For stories about Nashville SC or Soccer in Tennessee, contact Drake Hills at DHills@gannett.com. Follow Drake on Twitter at @LiveLifeDrake.