CHESTER, PA -- A last-minute penalty kick in stoppage time from Sebastien Le Toux snapped Toronto’s eight-game unbeaten streak and gave the host Philadelphia Union a dramatic 2-1 win on Saturday at PPL Park.
The Union picked up their third win in five matches at home this season and foiled TFC’s impressive run thanks to a late handball from Maxim Usanov on a shot in the box from Jack McInerney. Le Toux coolly converted the ensuing kick for his seventh goal of the season and to erase some bitter memories from a dramatic late loss last week on the same field.
Philadelphia also received the first career MLS goal from Michael Orozco Fiscal, who headed home a Le Toux corner kick in the 61st minute to spice up an at-times sleepy and very steamy match played at temperatures hovering around 95 degrees.
But Le Toux’s winner was only necessary after a gusty effort late from Toronto FC, who seemed to be content with the draw after Chad Barrett equalized the match in the 81st minute. Like Orozco Fiscal, Barrett nodded home a header, this time off a throw-in in the waning minutes of regulation to seemingly extend TFC’s run, which dated back to a 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake on May 1.
But instead the glory went to Philadelphia, who were beaten in extra time last weekend when San Jose’s Arturo Alvarez hit them on the counterattack to give the Quakes a 2-1 win.
Neither team threatened seriously until the 27th minute, when Le Toux missed a crack from just outside the box. Philadelphia’s Jordan Harvey also skipped a right-footed shot off the post during stoppage time in the first half.
Then came Orozco Fiscal’s goal, a near-post blast that thrilled the home crowd and put TFC on their heels.
But Barrett countered with his fifth goal of the season, setting up Le Toux’ drama just before the final whistle.
Philadelphia return to action Wednesday in an international friendly against Manchester United at Lincoln Financial Field, while Toronto host EPL side Bolton in an international friendly the same day.
Scoring Summary:
PHI -- Michael Orozco Fiscal 1 (Sebastien Le Toux 7) 61
TOR -- Chad Barrett 5 (unassisted) 81
PHI -- Sebastien Le Toux 7 (penalty kick) 94+
Toronto FC -- Stefan Frei, Dan Gargan (Maksim Usanov 84), Nana Attakora, Adrian Cann, Nick Garcia, Fuad Ibrahim (Maicon Correa 63), Amadou Sanyang, Julian de Guzman, Nick LaBrocca (Jacob Peterson 72), Dwayne De Rosario, Chad Barrett.
Philadelphia Union -- Chris Seitz, Michael Orozco Fiscal, Cristian Arrieta, Danny Califf, Jordan Harvey, Sebastien Le Toux, Stefani Miglioranzi, Amobi Okugo (Nick Zimmerman 87), Fred, Alejandro Moreno (Jack McInerney 54), Danny Mwanga (Andrew Jacobson 82).
Misconduct Summary:
TOR -- Dan Gargan (caution; Reckless Tackle) 28
PHI -- Danny Califf (caution; Tactical Foul) 38
PHI -- Cristian Arrieta (caution; Tactical Foul) 48
Referee: Ramon Hernandez
Referee's Assistants: Chris Strickland; Adam Wienckowski
4th Official: Lee Suckle
Attendance: 17,251
