It had been one of the most exciting playoff games in Major League Soccer history, but BMO Field was deathly silent. Early in extra time last night Sebastian Giovinco fell to the ground clutching his leg, and it became clear he could not continue.
For a club whose fortunes these past two seasons have been so intertwined with the play of the diminutive Italian, it was a nightmare scenario. Just when Toronto FC needed his ability to change a game the most, he was no longer a part of it.
It ended up being a monumental moment in the match, but for a different reason than expected: it forced the introduction of Benoit Cheyrou.