MLS Game Summary - Philadelphia at Toronto
(Saturday, May 26, 2012)
From The Sports Network
Final Score: Toronto 1, Philadelphia 0
Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Danny Koevermans entered Saturday's match
against the Philadelphia Union a villain but left a hero as he scored in the
88th minute to help Toronto FC claim a 1-0 win for its first points of the
season.
Koevermans made waves following Toronto's 3-1 loss at D.C. United last
weekend, stating that his club was the worst in the world. But he was able to
clinch a dramatic win at BMO Field despite only being on the pitch for 27
minutes, scoring at the death to move Toronto (1-9-0) to within five points of
Philadelphia (2-7-2) in the Eastern Conference cellar.
Toronto had the better running of the opening period but Philadelphia emerged
from halftime with a renewed vigor.
The Union came within inches of grabbing the lead five minutes after the
restart when Michael Farfan ripped a shot off the crossbar from outside the
box.
The home side went on the offensive after sustaining some early second-half
pressure and nearly opened the scoring 10 minutes from time when Torsten
Frings found himself one-on-one with Chris Konopka, but the Union goalkeeper
produced a superb save to preserve the shutout.
Konopka's dreams of a clean sheet were thwarted eight minutes later as
Koevermans popped up in the dying minutes with the lone goal of the affair.
The Dutchman flicked a low cross from Nick Soolsma on goal from close range
and while Konopka was able to make a quick reaction save, the loose ball was
tucked in on the second attempt.
Both clubs will enjoy a three-week break before returning to league action on
June 16. Toronto will look to build on its first league win of the season when
it heads to Livestrong Sporting Park to take on Sporting Kansas City, and
Philadelphia will try to get back on track in a meeting with D.C. United at
PPL Park.
05/26 18:50:38 ET
|