Toronto FC 3, Philadelphia Union 0 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Alicia Rodriguez

Toronto FC moved off the foot of the table on Friday, as they won their second game of the 2018 MLS regular season, 3-0 over the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field.

The home side firmly controlled the run of play, dominating in scoring chances and keeping the ball in Philadelphia's end for most of the game. Picking up full points in one of their games in hand on the rest of the Eastern Conference brings TFC back into the fold of competitive teams out East following their run to the Concacaf Champions League final.

Toronto FC opened the scoring in the 28th minute, as Nicolas Hasler sent a low cross that Victor Vazquez flicked into the goal with a deft touch.

They doubled their lead in the 65th minute, as a mazy run by Sebastian Giovinco was capped off with a shot that did just enough to beat Andre Blake in the Union goal. Substitute Jay Chapman added a late tally to fully seal up the win for Toronto.

Goals

28' – TOR – Victor Vazquez | WATCH
65' – TOR – Sebastian Giovinco | WATCH
89' – TOR – Jay Chapman | WATCH

Three Things

THE BIG PICTURE: Both teams needed a win here, and TFC looked like the elite team they've been in a fairly comfortable result. The struggles for Philly continue, however, after their rousing victory last week, and the same issues on both ends (inexperience on defense, lack of incisive play in attack) came roaring back in an admittedly tricky road tie.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH
: Playing as the primary striker with
Jozy Altidore
out injured, Giovinco's goal was a vintage moment of magic from the Italian.

It was only a matter of time...

Seba opens his MLS account in 2018! #TORvPHI https://t.co/9Sgn2Ultcm
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) May 5, 2018

MAN OF THE MATCH: Vazquez was very good in the first half in particular, but Giovinco, with a goal and assist, had the performance that ensured TFC would return to winning ways in league play.