TFC 2 posts scrappy win vs. Philly in their playoff debut

• Toronto FC II 1 (Mbongue 6’), Philadelphia Union II 0
• Junior Reds win their first-ever post-season game
• Mbongue scores winner in man-of-the-match effort

TORONTO – Playoff soccer returned to BMO Field on Saturday evening for the first time in almost three years, and while Toronto FC wasn’t involved it turned out to be a pretty entertaining affair.

Toronto FC II earned a scrappy 1-0 win over Philadelphia Union II in the Eastern Conference semifinals of the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs, with newly-signed Toronto FC forward Hugo Mbongue scoring the lone goal. Jordan Perruzza collected an assist in TFC 2's post-season debut.

In Saturday’s other playoff game, Columbus Crew II earned a 4-1 home win over Rochester New York FC. TFC 2 will play away to Columbus next Sunday in the Eastern Conference final, with the winner advancing to the MLS NEXT Pro Cup on Oct. 8. Both Western Conference semifinal matches are scheduled for Sunday.

MLS NEXT Pro is the new reserve league launched this year by Major League Soccer. TFC 2 previously competed in the USL and USL League One, but it had never previously qualified for the playoffs since its first season in 2015.