Deandre Kerr scored four minutes after a second-half own goal from the visiting Philadelphia Union as Toronto FC rallied for a 2-1 victory on Saturday night. Philadelphia defender Jack Elliott was responsible for the mishap, putting the ball in the back of his own net in the 74th minute to draw Toronto (8-13-3, 27 points) even at 1. Kerr then scored in the 78th minute as the hosts snapped a six-match losing streak. Kerr took a pass from Lorenzo Insigne to the left post before sending it past Philadelphia goalkeeper Andrew Rick, who had come off his line. The Union (4-10-9, 21 points) are winless in their past 10 matches (0-6-4). It was a slow start for both sides, with Toronto FC dominating possession early, though they struggled to create many scoring chances. Toronto had an opportunity to strike in the 17th minute, but Federico Bernardeschi fired a shot from the top edge of the box that whistled just over the crossbar. The Union then started to find their groove and generated more chances as the first half progressed. In the 26th minute, Jesus Bueno tried to put an attempt inside the right post, but his shot missed just wide. A minute later, Toronto FC goalkeeper Sean Johnson came off his line for a point-blank stop against Mikael Uhre. Tai Baribo gave Philadelphia a 1-0 lead off a set piece in the 39th minute. Kai Wagner served a free kick into the box, and Baribo got up for a header at the top of the goalmouth to send the ball inside the right post. Toronto nearly leveled the match in the 45th minute. Bernardeschi volleyed a pass to Prince Owusu on the far side, but Rick got a piece of the ball before Elliott cleared it to prevent it from going over the goal line. That clearance set the Union up for a solid counterattack. Wagner fired a cross with Uhre in the middle of the field and Baribo on the right, but Toronto FC defender Shane O'Neill slid to get his foot on the ball and deflect it away. --Field Level Media
Jul 13, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto FC defender Sigurd Rosted (17) and Philadelphia Union forward Tai Baribo (28) collide while going for the ball during the first half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports