Toronto FC shocks New York City FC with Pozuelo double

Alejandro Pozuelo scored two goals to lead Toronto FC to a 2-1 upset of Eastern Conference winners New York City FC on Wednesday night.

Toronto dominated a lopsided first half, but wasn't clinical enough in front of goal and saw Sean Johnson make a number of great saves in the NYCFC goal as the two teams went to the dressing room locked in a goalless draw.

- Bell: New MLS playoffs deliver intensity, drama

- Stream MLS games LIVE on ESPN+

- MLS Cup playoffs 2019: All you need to know

The narrative changed after the break, though, with Toronto getting a deserved opener when a horribly misplaced clearance fell to Pozuelo and he buried his shot past Johnson.

That opener seemed to enliven Domenec Torrent's side and the NYCFC pressure finally paid off as Maxi Moralez found Ismael Tajouri-Shradi with a cross to the back post and he smashed a superb first-time shot into the back of the net.

Pozuelo then converted from the penalty spot late in the second half after a horrendous challenge by Ronald Matarrita in the box to seal the win for the 2017 MLS Cup champions.

TFC, who now awaits the winner of the match between Atlanta United and the Philadelphia Union, defeated D.C. United 5-1 in extra time in its first-round playoff game on Saturday while NYCFC enjoyed a first-round bye.