Sargent scores winner in 86th minute to help Toronto FC to a 2-1 win over D.C. United
Written by The Canadian Press on October 28, 2026
TORONTO — Josh Sargent scored in the 86th minute to lift Toronto FC to a 2-1 victory over D.C. United in a virtual must-win game for the home side on Wednesday at BMO Field.
Theo Corbeanu’s shot hit the post and rolled right to Sargent, who slotted it home. Jonathan Osorio scored in the 64th minute to pull Toronto level after Andre Dozzell tallied in the 29th minute.
The win was desperately needed by TFC, which entered play three points outside of a wild-card spot in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference standings.
Red Bull New York started the day in ninth place with 39 points, one ahead of the Columbus Crew and three better than Toronto. New York was scheduled to play at New England on Wednesday night while the Crew had a late game at FC Dallas.
It was the home finale for TFC, which will visit Atlanta on Sunday before closing out its regular-season schedule on Nov. 7 against the Philadelphia Union.
The home side was surprisingly tentative at the start despite facing a potential elimination situation.
Toronto FC’s defenders looked stagnant before the United goal as the visitors controlled the ball in the area. Silvan Hefti made a soft pass to Dozzell, who slotted the ball past Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran.
Toronto showed signs of life late in the first half but couldn’t capitalize.
Osorio had the best chance when a ball bounced up for him after a corner kick. The Toronto captain swivelled by the six-yard box but his left foot sent the ball wide.
The team came out with more pep after the break. Daniel Salloi had a good chance early in the second half but his shot was deflected wide.
Salloi got into a shoving match with some United players after a corner kick and was shown a yellow card.
Toronto’s goal came on its first shot on target in the match. Sargent elevated for a powerful header that deflected off Osorio’s back and past goalkeeper Sean Johnson.
The goal, originally given to Sargent, was initially disallowed due to an offside flag. A video review confirmed it was a good goal.
It was Osorio’s first goal of the season. He has scored in all 14 seasons he has played with the team.
Toronto finished its home schedule with a 6-2-9 record while United’s road mark slipped to 2-7-7 with its fourth straight defeat overall.
Toronto (9-11-12) has earned at least a point in four of its last five games.
D.C. forward Tai Baribo, who leads the team with 16 goals, sat out with a hip injury. United (7-13-12) beat Toronto 2-1 when the teams met on July 25 at Audi Field.
Toronto hasn’t reached the post-season since 2020. The Reds dropped a 1-0 decision to Nashville SC in the first round that year.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 28, 2026.
Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press