Giovinco powers TFC past Union
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Chester, PA (SportsNetwork.com) - Sebastian Giovinco's brilliant free kick resulted in the only goal of the match on Saturday as Toronto FC claimed a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.
After knocking off Orlando City last time out, Toronto entered the day looking for a second consecutive victory, and Giovinco's set-piece magic handed TFC a vital three points.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, created a handful of quality scoring chances, but was unable to find the back of the net and saw its winless streak to four consecutive matches.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Toronto had the better of the chances early on, including a go at goal in the opening 30 seconds of play that forced Union goalkeeper John McCarthy into an early save.
The goal came in the 34th minute when Giovinco lined up a free kick from around 28 yards out and blasted a knuckling strike into the bottom left corner of the net, leaving a diving McCarthy with little chance for a save.
Philadelphia's best chance came early in the second half as Cristian Maidana collected the ball on the left side of the pitch and put a powerful strike on target on the half-volley, but it smashed the crossbar and stayed out.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The Union appeared to find the equalizer 11 minutes from time when Fernando Aristeguieta nodded home a free kick from Maidana, but the offside flag was up.
The fourth official's board showed six minutes of added time, but the hosts were unable to find a tying goal and suffered their third consecutive loss.