Union falls to lowly Toronto

TORONTO – Philadelphia Union's fell 1-0 to Toronto FC at BMO Field on Saturday.  Second-half substitute Danny Koevermans muscled home a shot in the 88th minute to give Toronto their first points in League play this season. Philadelphia (2-7-2) are winless in their past five games.

Konopka had his area besieged in the first several minutes of the game as Toronto had the early advantage. He saved on Reggie Lambe’s shot from the right side of the box, before Lambe put the rebound wide. Soon after, Ryan Johnson misfired twice.  Late in the first half, Toronto again buzzed around Konopka’s goal without getting a direct shot, although Adrian Cann sent a header just wide.The first half finished with Toronto having nine attempts at goal to Philadelphia’s two. Toronto had one shot on goal and Philadelphia none.

Both teams had their share of chances, including Philadelphia’s Michael Farfan hitting the crossbar with a blast from 35 yards out in the 50th minute. Toronto didn't fold, though, and Chris Konopka saved a close-range header by Doneil Henry off a corner in the 63rd minute.  Konopka was alert on a couple of Toronto's late chances, but came up on the short end of Koevermans’ second effort on a shot from just outside the left side of the post. It came after some determined work down the left side by second-half substitute and fellow Dutchman Nick Soolsma.

Konopka, Philadelphia’s third-string goalkeeper, was playing due to injuries to Zac MacMath and Chase Harrison. His last MLS game was when he was with the New York Red Bulls last August 13 in a 2-2 draw with the Chicago Fire.

The Union play the Rochester Rhinos at PPL Park in their first home Lamar Hunt U.S. Open match this Tuesday, May 29. Philadelphia’s next League game is on June 16 at home vs D.C. United.