Toronto, May 28, 2025 – In a match played under the rain and with sparse attendance at BMO Field, Philadelphia Union managed to secure a 2-1 victory over Toronto FC, solidifying their lead in the Eastern Conference—though with more difficulty than expected against a team fighting near the bottom of the table.
Before this match, both teams had faced each other 33 times since 2010, with Toronto holding the edge: 14 wins, 8 draws, and 11 losses.
Today also marked Toronto FC’s 300th regular season home game in MLS, with a record of 123 wins, 97 losses, and 79 draws, totaling 448 points.
A Clash of Opposites
The match presented a stark contrast from the outset: Philadelphia arrived as the solid leader with 30 points and just one loss all season, while Toronto sat in 14th place with only 13 points, coming off a loss to Nashville SC.
Both teams had top scorers tied at four goals: Tai Baribo for the Union and Federico Bernardeschi for Toronto, although the latter wasn’t even on the bench. Instead, Lorenzo Insigne started as a substitute for the home side.
First Half: Dominance Without Goals
The match kicked off at 7:40 p.m. under overcast skies and on a slippery pitch. Toronto threatened first with a spectacular bicycle kick from Bruno Damiani in the 11th minute, which was saved with effort by the visiting goalkeeper. The best chance for Toronto came in the 41st minute, with a double opportunity following a shot from Osorio and another acrobatic attempt that went over the bar.
Second Half: Goals, Drama, and Controversy
The second half brought more excitement. Toronto took the lead in the 75th minute with a goal from their number 9, the result of a well-executed attacking move. The stadium erupted, but the joy was short-lived: Philadelphia equalized in the 86th minute with a header from a corner kick, and in the final moments, scored the winner on a counterattack that caught the home defense off guard.
Toronto showed better tactical organization in the second half, pressing higher, attacking down the right flank, and using man-marking to frustrate Philadelphia’s playmakers. However, their lack of finishing and some questionable refereeing decisions—such as allowing repeated fouls by Philadelphia Union players—ultimately cost them the game.
Final Verdict: Effort Without Reward
Toronto left a good impression but no points. The Canadian side looked more intense and organized, but fell to the efficiency of a Philadelphia team that, despite not dazzling, knew how to strike at the right moments and walked away with a win that keeps them firmly atop the East. (Credit Pic’s – MSL )
