Union snatch all three points late in rainy Toronto

It was cold, wet, and a bit miserable at BMO Field — 52 degrees and raining — but the Philadelphia Union brought their own thunder. With a rotated lineup and their captain back in net, they turned a slow-burn match into a dramatic 2-1 win over Toronto FC with two goals in the final five minutes.

Head Coach Bradley Carnell made a handful of changes from the squad that drew 3-3 against Messi and Miami just four days ago, most notably swapping Andrew Rick for a fully recovered Andre Blake. The legend returned to the starting XI for the first time since May 3rd, gloves on, armband on, looking sharp.

The Uruguayan Damiani came back as a starter and nearly opened the night with a bang — a bicycle attempt off a Wagner cross in the 12th minute that had “goal of the year” potential if it weren’t for Sean Johnson’s fast hands. Philly looked sharper through the first half, outshooting Toronto 6-0 at one point, but the scoreboard stayed silent. Blake had to step in once, stopping Osorio’s effort in the 42nd. At halftime, still 0-0.

Second half, same storm — but things started moving. Wagner slipped a low cross past Johnson at the near post in the 64th, but no one was there to bury it. Carnell brought on Uhre and Danley to change that, and Danley wasted no time testing the keeper. But it was Toronto who struck first. In the 75th, Ola Brynhildsen hammered home a rocket to give the hosts the lead. For a second, it felt like the game might get away.

Then Philly remembered who they are.

In the 86th, Wagner — again Wagner — dropped a beauty of a ball into the box. Nathan Harriel rose up and buried the header to tie it 1-1. The bench exploded. The momentum swung. And just like that, in stoppage time, Philly finished the job. Wagner let one fly from distance, it deflected off a Toronto defender, and rolled into the net. Just like Miami did against them in the previous game, Philly was able to turn it around. Final whistle: 2-1 Union. Nine games unbeaten. Still top of the East.

Next stop: back home. But for now, three points in the bag — rain or shine.