Deadspin: Toronto FC tries to keep playoff hopes alive on Atlanta trip
Toronto faces a narrow path
Toronto FC enters Sunday with a 9-11-12 record and 39 points. The Reds trail the Eastern Conference playoff cutline by four points, with only two regular-season matches remaining.
Coach Robin Fraser said the team understands its position and needs to prepare solutions. He also urged greater efficiency in attack and better care of the ball.
Recent results offer encouragement
Toronto has taken points in four of its last five matches, going 3-1-1. On Wednesday, the team rallied to beat D.C. United 2-1 in its home finale. Jonathan Osorio scored his first goal of the season in the 64th minute to make it 1-1. Josh Sargent scored the winner with four minutes left in regulation, extending Toronto’s home unbeaten run to eight matches since the World Cup break.
Atlanta looks toward next season
Atlanta is 8-18-6 with 30 points and has been eliminated from playoff contention. The club wants to close the season well as it looks ahead to 2027. Coach Tata Martino said wins would make a strong finish more valuable heading into the next season and preseason. Midfielders Miguel Almiron and Alexey Miranchuk lead Atlanta with six goals each.
Key points
- Toronto is four points short of the Eastern Conference playoff cutline with two matches remaining.
- The Reds have earned points in four of their last five games.
- Atlanta has been eliminated from playoff contention and is looking toward 2027.
- Atlanta beat Toronto 2-1 in their first meeting on April 25.