Winning the MLS Cup was an ‘obsession’: Michael Bradley

CAPTION: TFC captain Michael Bradley says taking the MLS Cup became an obsession after last year's MLS Cup final loss to the Seattle Sounders.

The Toronto FC took their first-ever MLS title Saturday in a 2-0 win against Seattle. (Dec 9, 2017) SOUNDBITE:Michael Bradley, TFC captain SOUNDBITE: Greg Vanney, TFC Coach PLACELINE:Toronto CREDIT: The Canadian Press STORYLINE:The MLS Cup has long been a dream for beleaguered Toronto FC fans.

For captain Michael Bradley, it was an obsession after losing the championship game last year in a penalty shootout. "Not just for me but every single guy in our team," Bradley said. "I could sit here and try to explain to you guys for the next two hours what it's like to lose a final on penalties the way we did last year and to have to wake up the next morning and feel like your chance at redemption might as well be 50 years away," Bradley added Saturday after finally scratching that very big title itch.

Toronto avenged last year's MLS Cup final loss to Seattle by dominating the Sounders 2-0 in the championship rematch.

Jozy Altidore scored in the 67th minute and Victor Vazquez added a stoppage-time counter-attack goal as Toronto completed its record-breaking season.

The home side put on a performance brimming with confidence and intent before 30,584 on a warmer-than-expected late afternoon at BMO Field, where it was 1 Celsius at kickoff.

Seattle was on the back foot almost from the get-go.

Toronto grabbed the Sounders by the scruff of the neck and didn't stop shaking for 90 minutes.