Toronto FC Cruise to First Ever Playoff Victory Over Philadelphia Union

It's been ten years in the making. Playoff soccer finally arrived at BMO Field, and the home side got themselves a massive 3-1 victory during a historic night for the club. It was the first time they have ever won a playoff game in only their second year of qualifying.

Jonathan Osorio, for the second straight match, had the winning goal off of a broken corner kick play. Sebastian Giovinco scored the opening goal of the match, while Jozy Altidore confirmed the victory with a late goal. Alejandro Bedoya had the lone goal of the match for the Union.

For a man who has achieved so many firsts in both Toronto FC and Major League Soccer history, it didn't take Giovinco long to get another one. Just fifteen minutes into the match, a loose ball in the box was flicked over Andre Blake by Jozy Altidore into the path of the Italian. It was Toronto FC's first ever playoff goal and gave them a huge 1-0 lead.

Toronto forced another big save out of Blake moments later, looking to add to their lead. They were on the front foot for most of the half, holding the Union to very few chances. The Union only had one shot one target in the first half.

With referee Baldomero Toledo officiating, both teams picked up yellow cards to key players in the first half. Toronto saw cards go to Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore, while C.J. Sapong and Alejandro Bedoya were booked for the Union. Toronto held a 1-0 lead going into the second half.

It didn't take Toronto long to extend that lead in the second half. In the 48th minute, a Giovinco corner kick deflected off NIck Hagglund and into the path of Osorio. The Canadian hit home his second goal in as many matches, giving Toronto FC some crucial insurance.

The Union got themselves back into the game in the 73rd minute when Bedoya pounced on a loose ball in the box during the aftermath of a corner kick. It was the second time he has scored against Toronto FC in their last two meetings.

Toronto FC put the icing on the cake in the 85th minute when Altidore got in on the action. Giovinco was again the creator, sending the ball into the box to the America. He took it down, deflected it off a defender back into his path before putting it past Blake in goal.

With the first round victory, Toronto advance to that two-legged Conference semi-finals against New York City FC. The first match of that home and away will take place at BMO Field on Sunday.