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Posted by
Mat Rooney,
December 10, 2016 |
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Mat Rooney
On Twitter:
@rooney_matthew
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On what might be the most important night in Canadian club soccer history, Toronto FC fell to the Seattle Sounders in the 2016 MLS Cup final on penalty kicks. Despite dominating the game, Toronto were unable to break former keeper Stefan Frei.
Denial, anger, bargaining, depression...
The Opening 45
The game was set in the first half with Toronto being on the attack much of the game but Seattle making sure chances were minimal and when they happened Frie was easily able to stop them.
While Seattle's offense seemed mostly non-existant, they seemed unworried by it. They seemed to have Toronto's superstars Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco figured out, much to the irritation of the later. Only weak shots were able to reach Frei.
The Second Half
The second half seemed almost like an exact copy of the first. Not even the entry of a pair of subs from each side seemed to make a difference. While tensions were high, neither side let their frustration get to them, keeping errors minimal.
Extra-Time and Shootout
In a shocking turn, Giovinco (who reportedly "couldn't move") asked to be subbed out early in extra time. Tosaint Ricketts came in for him and created the first real challenge against Frei who somehow stopped a header from Altidore.
Penalties went by quick, 4 goals a piece on 5 shots, Justin Morrow hit the post and Román Torres put his away to secure Seattle their first MLS Cup after the hard fought bout.
Man of the Match
Michael Bradley
While his penalty was saved (possibly costing Toronto the Cup), he played a strong game and stood out more than any other Toronto player. But props to true MVP Stefan Frei who put on an amazing performance for Seattle and had his revenge against Toronto for letting him go in 2013.
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