TORONTO – Jamairo Monteiro’s goal proved to be the winner for the Philadelphia Union as they defeated Toronto FC 2-1 on Saturday.
Monteiro tucked the ball into the bottom right corner in the 68th minute which ended up helping them win for the first time in Toronto since 2014.
A nice counter attack in the 24th minute saw Chris Mavinga put the ball in his own net to give the Union a 1-0 lead after a Kai Wagner cross.
Philadelphia were dominant in the first half; Kacper Przybylko had a good effort early on but Quinten Westberg made a nice save.
Moments later Toronto had their first chance of the game when Alejandro Pozuelo cut the ball back to Jonathan Osorio and the Brampton native’s shot deflected wide.
Justin Morrow was next to come close but his shot went straight at Carlos Coronel, who filled in for Andre Blake once again.
Przybylko had a other opportunity in the 22nd minute but Westberg made another big save, this time with his foot.
The Union’s first half performance gave them a deserved lead heading into the break. Jim Curtin’s side are unbeaten when scoring the first goal this season.
Jordan Hamilton had two quick chances at the start of the second half, but the Canadian forward was unable to capitalize on either of them as Coronel made some good stops to keep the Union ahead.
Pozuelo’s goal came in the 51st minute when he chipped a free kick into the top right corner as the keeper got a hand to it but was unable to keep the ball out.
The Spaniard notched his fifth goal of the season to go along with his six assists.
Auro Jr. was forced off injured in the aftermath of Philly’s second goal and was replaced by Nick DeLeon.
Laurent Ciman was next to face an injury as Jay Chapman came on for the Reds who searched for an equalizer.
Today’s defeat keeps the Union first in the East with 23 points and are unbeaten in five games as they host Seattle next Saturday.
TFC have now lost back-to-back games at BMO Field and have one win in four. They’ll host Wayne Rooney and D.C. United on Wed. May 15.
Pierre's Footy Talk 