The game in 100 words (or less): All Toronto FC had to do to clinch the 2017 Supporters’ Shield on Saturday was beat the New England Revolution, a side that had suffered back-to-back defeats by a combined score of 10-1 and fired head coach Jay Heaps on Tuesday. Instead, because this is MLS we’re talking about, the Revolution were galvanized and full of fighting spirit backed their way into a 2-1 victory over TFC in a game that saw all three goals scored during a five-minute period beginning in the 82nd. The Shield celebration will have to wait at least another week, with TFC hosting the New York Red Bulls next Saturday. The chance to clinch and celebrate at home will almost have been worth it. Still, the gap between TFC (62 points) and second-place New York City FC remains 10 points with just three games to go (NYCFC have a game in hand). The Revs, meanwhile, are four points out of the Eastern Conference’s sixth and final playoff place, and have played two more games than the sixth-place Red Bulls.
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Three moments that mattered
82' — Nguyen wrong-foots Irwin with a lucky deflection — It’s been a long, turbulent season for the Revs, so they were probably owed this bit of good fortune (and quite a few more).
A brilliant ball + fortunate finish put @NERevolution ahead in #NEvTOR... https://t.co/zW3llLvL4G
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 23, 2017
84' — Hasler gets on the end of Bradley’s ball for 1-1 — It’s been a long, turbulent season for the Revs, and they’ve grown used to unfortunate breaks like this.
…but @torontofc came right back & leveled through Bradley & Hasler! 1-1. #NEvTOR https://t.co/GHBg0slf9q
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 23, 2017
87' — Kamara rises up, heads home the winner — It’s been a long, turbulent season for the Revs, one without nearly enough alley-oops to Kamara.
Back. In. Front. @keikamara restores the @NERevolution lead! #NEvTOR https://t.co/WW7Ajtu1jL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 23, 2017
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Man of the match: Lee Nguyen
Goalscorers: Nguyen (82'), Hasler (84'), Kamara (87')