With a playoff spot on the line, Thursday's game was critical to both the Boston Cannons (6-6) and the Toronto Nationals (6-5). Ultimately, Toronto came away as the victor, clinching a playoff spot and securing them a ride to Annapolis.

Paul Rabil, who boasts the most points in the league, had a seven goal night (5 G, 2 2-point), working the ball between the pipes at every opportunity. However, it was Toronto's leading scorer and the league's top goal scorer Merrick Thomson who earned Bud Light MVP honors with an astounding eight goal performance (5 G, 3 A).

In addition to Thomson's firepower, the rest of Toronto's attack was relentless on Cannon's goalie Kip Turner, who ended the night with twenty-two saves. Doc Schneider stood strong in net for the entire game, making twenty-four saves for Toronto.

Toronto's Merrick Thomson opened up the game, netting a goal and tallying an assist to put the Nationals up by two. Paul Rabil put the Cannons on the board with a 2-point goal to respond to Toronto's initial attack. By the end of the first quarter, the Cannons stepped up and led the Nationals 4-3.

Boston came out strong in the second quarter, with a powerplay goal from Matt Poskay and even defender Ray Megill getting in on the action with a goal as well. As the half came to a close, Boston pulled ahead of the Nationals by three goals.

Paul Rabil hit the Nationals hard at the opening of the second half, nailing his second 2-point goal of the night and following that up with an unassisted goal. Merrick Thomson continued to fight, assisting Shawn William's second goal before putting in one of his own. Boston was relentless, going on a three goal run to extend their lead. Even with Jeff Zywicki netting a powerplay goal, by the end of the third quarter the Cannons led the Nationals 15-9.

While it looked as though the Cannons were running away with the game, Toronto wasn't ready to call it quits just yet. Stringing together an impressive set led by all-stars Thomson, Delby Powless, Joe Walters, Zywicki who notched his second powerplay goal of the match, Toronto fought their way back into the game.

Paul Rabil finally broke the five goal run, only to have Toronto answer with a three goal run. As the fourth quarter came to a close, the scored was tied at 17-17. With the crowd on the edge of their seats, the game was sent into overtime.

Toronto did not disappoint the 3,542 fans at BMO Field. Less than three minutes into overtime, Sean Morris was penalized with an offsides technical foul. Joe Walters capitalized, scoring a powerplay goal off of a pass from Delby Powless.

With an 18-17 overtime victory, the Toronto Nationals secured themselves a spot in the playoffs. While the Boston Cannons still have a chance of making it into the playoffs, a win is a must if they want to have a shot at the title.

Boston will return home to take on the Washington Bayhawks in their final game of the regular season on Thursday, August 6th at 7:30 PM.

Toronto will also be returning home to challenge the top seeded Denver Outlaws in their last game of the regular season on Saturday, August 8th at 7:00 PM.

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For full box scores and game sheets, visit PointStreak.com. For scores and standings, computer ratings, stories, and the schedule of upcoming games, see LaxPower's MLL Page. You can also visit the MLL web site for full coverage of the league.

2009-07-25