Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati: 3 takeaways

Despite a heartbreaking loss, John Herdman felt TFC showed their "championship ability" against Cincy on Saturday.

Toronto FC vs. FC Cincinnati: 3 takeaways

An injury time goal by substitute Sergio Santos lifted FC Cincinnati to a 4-3 win at BMO Field on Saturday night to deny Toronto FC what would've been a credible draw. 

TFC didn't pick up any points in the loss, but they did earn a moral victory of sorts by pushing the reigning Supporters' Shield holders to the limit. At the same time, the last-minute defeat underlined the fact that the Reds still have some ground to make up when it comes to competing with the top teams in MLS. 

"We showed championship ability tonight against a team that is a championship team. But there was a gap still. And the gap was the loss. We've got to close that gap,” coach John Herdman told reporters after the game. 

Here are my three major takeaways from Saturday's contest.