(NashvilleSC.com, 11.24.20)

HARTFORD, Conn. — Nashville SC (2W-0L-0D) advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs after defeating Toronto FC (0W-1L-0D) with a goal from substitute striker Daniel Ríos in the second half of extra time. Nashville saw three goals disallowed for offside along the game.

Nashville SC moves on to face Columbus Crew SC on Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN in the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The Boys in Gold are the first Major League Soccer expansion team to reach this stage of the playoffs since Chicago Fire FC in 1998.

Dominant Defense

Through two playoff matches, Nashville has scored four goals and kept clean sheets in both. The entire defense laid the foundation for goalkeeper Joe Willis’ 11th shutout of the season. Center backs Walker Zimmerman and Dave Romney combined for 16 clearances and allowed just four of Toronto FC’s 12 shots to hit the target. They also combined for 19 ball recoveries and four interceptions. Midfielder Tah Brian Anunga, filling in for the injured Anibal Godoy, made 11 recoveries in his first MLS Cup Playoffs appearance, and his veteran midfield partner Dax McCarty made 13. The deep-lying midfielders combined for eight interceptions and three tackles.

Chance Creation

Striker and Designated Player Jhonder Cádiz scored two goals, but saw both called back by the side judge for offside. Left-back Daniel Lovitz sent in a cross which Cádiz headed into the goal in the 13th minute, but the flag went up immediately after the goal. Cádiz came close a few more times, and attacking midfielder Hany Mukhtar also did, notably when his looping header hit the crossbar in the 90th minute. Mukhtar was the catalyst for the goal in extra time when he found space and took the shot that Ríos finished off the rebound.

Above-Average Joe

Joe Willis played a commanding game, coming out of the goal to claim crosses and making important saves. His biggest save was the point-blank one on a shot from Nick DeLeon in the 26th minute or when he got down to save a flick from striker Ayo Akinola in the 77th minute. In total, he made five saves on the night to help his team advance.

Full-Back Clinic

Left-back Dan Lovitz and rookie right-back Alistair Johnston impacted the game on both ends of the field. They combined for 16 ball recoveries, seven key passes, three interceptions, and three tackles. All three tackles came in Toronto’s half of the pitch, proving how hard they worked to press their opponents. Lovitz, playing against the club that drafted him in 2014, also completed one dribble and took two corner kicks.