21.07.2020 23:32 h

Toronto, New England advance to MLS knockout round

Alex Bono made five saves for the shutout as Toronto FC reached the knockout round of the MLS is Back Tournament with a 0-0 draw against the New England Revolution on Tuesday.

New England's Adam Buksa had the best chance to score for either team, a point-blank blast in the 74th minute that was stopped by Bono in Orlando, Florida.

The Revolution also advanced to the knockout round as both teams finished the Group C stage with 1-0-2 records and five points. Toronto finished just ahead of the Revolution on a tiebreaker.

D.C. United can vault over both teams for first place in the group if they defeat the Montreal Impact by two or more goals on Tuesday evening.

Toronto FC outshot New England 15-10 and had more time with the ball, 60 percent. But they couldn't get a shot past New England goalkeeper Matt Turner after scoring six goals in their first two games.

Turner's best stop came off a shot by Ayo Akinola in the 79th minute to preserve the tie.

The Revolution allowed just one goal in three group stage games.

Jozy Altidore, who missed Toronto's first two games after arriving late to the tournament, entered the contest in the 86th minute.

The Revolution were missing Carles Gil who picked up a foot injury in their previous match.

The "MLS is Back" restart tournament is taking place behind closed doors at ESPN's World Wide of Sports Complex at Disneyworld in Florida following a four-month shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.