Sargent’s late goal lifts Toronto FC past D.C. 2-1

TORONTO – Josh Sargent scored in the 86th minute to give Toronto FC a 2-1 win over D.C. United on Wednesday night at BMO Field, keeping the club’s MLS playoff hopes alive with two regular-season games left.

Sargent also played a part in the equalizer, a 64th-minute goal credited to captain Jonathan Osorio after Sargent’s header off a corner kick deflected off him. The goal was first ruled out for offside, but a video review confirmed it stood.

United had taken the lead in the 29th minute when Andre Dozzell beat Toronto goalkeeper Luka Gavran after Silvan Hefti played a soft pass in the penalty area. Toronto struggled to respond before halftime on fan appreciation night, and Osorio put a left-footed chance wide after a corner.

The home side was far sharper after the break. The winner came when Theo Corbeanu’s shot hit the post and the rebound rolled to Sargent, who finished from close range.

“This team just doesn’t give up and fights to the end,” Sargent said. “A massive result for us and on to the next one.”

Head coach Robin Fraser said his team was more active and dynamic in the second half. “We needed the three points, we got the three points,” Fraser said.

It was Osorio’s first goal of the season. He has scored in each of his 14 seasons with the club.

The result moved Toronto to 39 points, level with Red Bull New York, which began the day in the ninth and final playoff place before losing 3-2 to the New England Revolution. The Columbus Crew then beat FC Dallas 2-0 to take sole possession of the last wild-card spot with 41 points.

Toronto finished its home schedule with a 6-2-9 record. United lost for the fourth straight game and has a 2-7-7 record on the road.

Toronto travels to Atlanta on Sunday and closes the regular season on Nov. 7 against the Philadelphia Union. “Every game is a must-win,” Osorio said.

Toronto’s push for a playoff place has been a roller-coaster. The club won at the Red Bulls earlier this month to stay in the race, then lost 4-2 to Columbus before this game, which we previewed when Toronto hosted D.C. United with its season on the line.

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Via The Canadian Press and ESPN match data. Original report.