Jamiro Monteiro scored his second MLS goal on a swift counter-attack in the 68th minute, and the Philadelphia Union bolstered their spot atop the Eastern Conference with a professional 2-1 victory over Toronto FC on Saturday afternoon at BMO Field.
Chis Mavinga was also pressured into an early own goal by Kai Wagner's cross toward Fafa Picault to put the visitors in front en route to a third consecutive victory. They'll finish the weekend at worst tied for first on points with D.C. United, who could make up a three-point gap with a win Sunday but currently trail by six in the goal-differential tiebreaker.
Toronto playmaker Alejandro Pozuelo answered with a set piece strike shortly after the break. But the Reds couldn't find a second equalizer even after Jozy Altidore's return from a hamstring ailment in the 72nd minute, one marred by injury exits of Auro and Laurent Ciman.
Goals
- 25' - PHI - Chris Mavinga (OG) | WATCH
- 51' - TOR - Alejandro Pozuelo | WATCH
- 68' - PHI - Jamiro Monteiro | WATCH
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: The Union are rolling, solidifying their position atop the Eastern Conference with only their third-ever win in 12 all-time trips to Toronto. In fact, Philly are off to their best start in club history, having won an unprecedented seven of their last nine matches. Meanwhile, Toronto have lost two straight overall and at home, and their defensive struggles have returned.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: The Reds had been looking more likely to take the lead after Pozuelo's fifth MLS goal, but perhaps were chasing that goal too agressively when they were ruthlessly punished. Monteiro combined expertly with Kacper Przybylko down the left, then finished the devastating move himself.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Kacper Przybylko. The Polish national has been increasingly influential of late for Philadelphia. On Saturday, he was involved on the buildup to both goals and a recurring threat down the left flank on the counterattack. After scoring in each of the Union's last three matches, he picked up his first MLS assist and would've had a second if Philly's opener hadn't been correctly ruled an own goal.
Up Next
- TOR: Wednesday, May 15 vs. D.C. United (8 pm ET | TSN, MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US)
- PHI: Saturday, May 18 vs. Seattle Sounders (7:30 pm ET | MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in the US, MLS LIVE on DAZN in Canada)
