Toronto FC secured a berth in the MLS play-offs thanks to a 2-1 win over New York Red Bulls and a moment of brilliance from Sebastian Giovinco on Wednesday.
Giovinco had been in Rome 24 hours earlier as part of Italy's squad for Euro 2016 qualifiers but the in-form forward put aside any doubts of jet lag by coming off the bench and leading Toronto into the post-season for the first time in their history with a goal for the ages in the 78th minute.
Second-half substitute Giovinco, who has been linked with Spanish and European champions Barcelona, danced past three defenders and cut onto his less-favoured left foot before firing the ball past Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles with 12 minutes remaining at BMO Field.
Giovinco's 22nd goal of the season added to Herculez Gomez's 51st-minute opener in Toronto.
FC Dallas, meanwhile, moved into a tie with the Red Bulls for the Supporters' Shield after shutting out Western Conference rivals Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0.
Dallas top the Western Conference ahead of LA Galaxy (51) and the Whitecaps (50) on the same amount of points as the Red Bulls as the two teams vie for the Supporters' Shield - awarded to the team with the best regular-season record.
Meanwhile, Real Salt Lake's play-offs hopes were dashed after a 1-0 defeat at home to Portland Timbers.
