October 24, 2020
Chester, PA
Philadelphia’s home field dominance continued Saturday evening with an emphatic 5-0 win over Toronto FC.
Sergio Santos was the hero, scoring a hat trick with goals at the twenty-seventh (assisted by: Kai Wagner), sixty-third (assisted by: Kai Wagner) and sixty-eighth minutes (assisted by: Brenden Aaronson). The defense also contributed to the scoring with a first-half header goal by Mark McKenzie (assisted by: Kacper Przybylko, Jamiro Monteiro). Jamiro Monteiro added to the melee with shot over Toronto’s Quentin Westburg’s head early in the second half (assisted by: Kacper Przybylko).
The lopsided score was welcomed by Union fans, but the team’s aggressive field play largely was responsible for the result. The possession statistics did not reflect the feel of the game, as most would have assumed far more than almost 54% possession for the Union. The shot statistics were sure to surprise those predicting a closer game, with Philadelphia making a total of 27 shots (12 on target) to Toronto’s total of 3 shots (1 on target).
The team and fans had eagerly awaited the return of José Martínez, and his speed and tackles did not disappoint. Additionally, the team looked healthy, with Ray Gaddis back to speed from his hamstring injury and Kai Wagner seeming to suffer none of the aches and pains from hard tackles in the recent past.
Mark McKenzie was left unguarded, as he headed the ball into the goal at the thirty-third minute.
Toronto’s Marky Delgado followed by the Union’s Martinez.
Philadelphia’s Martinez returned with a vengeance from international play, seen here with Alejandro Pozuelo.
As usual, the Union’s Monteiro roamed all over the field, here holding back Toronto’s Richie Laryea.
Laryea is flanked by Monteiro and Saturday’s scoring hero, Sergio Santos
Toronto’s Laurent Ciman commanding the ball away from goal.
Philadelphia’s Captain Alejandro Bedoya proceeding toward goal, with Martinez behind, taking a short respite.
Philadelphia’s Brenden Aaronson with a classic run, with Liam Fraser trying to keep up.
Santos celebrating his hat trick with teammates.
Additional photographs of the game can be viewed at https://prostamerika.smugmug.com/MLS-Photos/Philadelphia/Philadelphia-Union-2020-Season/.
Philadelphia Union
Toronto FC
