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Match Recap: Toronto FC 1-2 Philadelphia Union – Wagner’s Late Strike Secures Comeback Victory

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02
Jun

Match Recap: Toronto FC 1-2 Philadelphia Union – Wagner’s Late Strike Secures Comeback Victory

June 2025 – A dramatic late winner from Kai Wagner helped Philadelphia Union secure a 2-1 away victory over Toronto FC at BMO Field, keeping the Union’s strong push for the top spot in the MLS Eastern Conference firmly on track.

Wagner, the German fullback, scored in stoppage time, capping a come-from-behind win that stretched Philadelphia’s unbeaten run to five games and gave them their first win in Toronto since 2019.

First Half: Cautious Play Amid Cold Canadian Skies

Despite the contrasting form of the two teams, the opening 45 minutes offered few fireworks. The match began under the overcast, damp skies of Toronto, mirroring the slow tempo and conservative approach from both sides.

Philadelphia, dressed in their vibrant blue-and-yellow away kits, looked to exploit Toronto’s weakened right flank. With Federico Bernardeschi suspended and Lorenzo Insigne on the bench, Derrick Etienne Jr. was deployed at right wing-back—an area Philadelphia targeted early.

The Union’s best first-half chance came in the 12th minute when Bruno Damiani volleyed a looping effort that forced a full-stretch save from Sean Johnson, the veteran Toronto goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Jesus Bueno tried his luck with two quick-fire efforts but failed to trouble the scoreboard.

Toronto had a late chance of their own when Johnathan Osorio met a dangerous Etienne cross in the 42nd minute, but Andre Blake, returning from a short injury layoff, was quick to deny him at the near post.

Second Half: Goals, Grit, and a German Game-Winner

Whatever message Toronto head coach Robin Fraser delivered at halftime seemed to work. The Reds returned with urgency, pressing high and dominating possession early in the second half.

Toronto’s persistence paid off in the 75th minute. A perfectly weighted long ball bypassed the Union defense, and Ola Brynhildsen, the Norwegian forward, struck a thunderous shot off the crossbar and into the net, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.

Instead of retreating, Philadelphia responded with intent. Set-piece pressure began to build—something the Union have excelled at this season—and in the 86th minute, Nathan Hariel rose to head home a Kai Wagner corner, leveling the match at 1-1. It was Philadelphia’s 11th set-piece goal of 2025, more than any other MLS team.

The final blow came in the 92nd minute. Wagner, finding space 25 yards out, unleashed a speculative shot that took a wicked deflection off Matt Longstaff, looping over Johnson for the decisive goal. The Union’s bench erupted as the full-time whistle confirmed their 10th win of the season.

Key Takeaways

🧙‍♂️ Wagner the Wizard

Kai Wagner proved once again why he’s considered one of the league’s top left-backs. With a game-winning goal and an assist, the German was the driving force behind the Union’s late surge.

🍁 Toronto’s Home Drought Continues

Toronto FC have now gone four games without a win at home. Despite promising spells, they lacked the consistency to hold off the Eastern Conference giants. Their defense, ranked 14th in the league, continues to be their Achilles’ heel.

🇳🇴 Scandinavian Duel Up Front and at the Back

It was a battle of Norwegian internationals as Toronto’s Brynhildsen went toe-to-toe with Union defender Jakob Glesnes. Brynhildsen’s goal was a moment of brilliance, but the Union’s defense had the final say.

Match Statistics

Scoring Summary

  • Toronto FC – 75’ ⚽ Ola Brynhildsen (assist: Deybi Flores)

  • Philadelphia Union – 86’ ⚽ Nathan Hariel (assist: Kai Wagner)

  • Philadelphia Union – 90+2’ ⚽ Kai Wagner

Disciplinary

  • 89’ – Tai Baribo (Philadelphia) – Yellow Card

  • 90+7’ – Alejandro Bedoya (Philadelphia) – Yellow Card

Lineups

Philadelphia Union

Starting XI: Blake; Hariel, Glesnes, Wagner, Westfield; Lukic, Bueno (Jean Jacques), Vassilev (Bender), Sullivan; Damiani (Uhre), Baribo
Subs Not Used: Rafanello, Cavan Sullivan, Makhanya, Bedoya, Rick, Mbaizo

Toronto FC

Starting XI: Johnson; Petretta, Monlouis (Long), Spicer, Wingo (Rosted); Flores, Coello (Longstaff); Corbeanu, Osorio, Etienne Jr.; Brynhildsen (Sharp)
Subs Not Used: Stefanovic, Cimermancic, Insigne, Gavran, Dominguez

What’s Next?

  • Philadelphia Union will return home to face Eastern rivals Columbus Crew, aiming to extend their lead atop the conference standings.

  • Toronto FC face an uphill battle next week as they travel to face Inter Miami, with hopes of climbing out of the bottom three.

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