Player Ratings: Philadelphia Union 4-1 Toronto FC

The regular season ended in style.

The Philadelphia Union capped off a remarkable second-half turnaround with a convincing 4-1 victory over Toronto FC at Subaru Park. After entering the World Cup break at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, the Union closed the year in sixth place and now head into the playoffs with plenty of momentum. 

This was a match Philadelphia thoroughly controlled despite surrendering more possession. The Union generated 3.74 expected goals to Toronto’s 0.57, outshot the visitors 19-6, and recorded 31 touches in the opposition box. They actually found the net six times, but two goals were disallowed after VAR reviews. 

The first half was almost complete domination. Cavan Sullivan opened the scoring after excellent work from Indiana Vassilev, and Quinn Sullivan doubled the lead from the penalty spot. Toronto’s only meaningful moment before halftime came deep into stoppage time when Joshua Sargent headed home from a corner. 

Any thoughts of a Toronto comeback quickly disappeared after the break. The Sullivan brothers combined brilliantly for Cavan’s second goal, and Bruno Damiani added another penalty to seal a comfortable 4-1 win. It was exactly the kind of performance the Union needed before opening their playoff series against the New England Revolution. Here are the ratings.

Player Ratings

GK Andre Blake — 6

Blake had very little to do before leaving at halftime. Toronto managed just six shots all night and generated only 0.57 xG, a testament to how well the team defended in front of him. He could do little about Sargent’s close-range header on the final play of the first half. His evening ended after 45 minutes.

LB Kai Wagner — 8

Another influential performance from Wagner. He was heavily involved in Philadelphia’s buildup play and delivered the long diagonal ball that helped create the disallowed Westfield goal late in the first half. Defensively, he kept Toronto’s attackers quiet most of the evening and was one of the driving forces behind the Union’s territorial dominance.

CB Nathan Harriel — 8

A very strong night from Harriel in the center of defense. Toronto created almost nothing from open play, and Harriel consistently won aerial duels and cleaned up danger before it developed. Sargent’s goal came from a set piece rather than any defensive breakdown in open play. Harriel’s composure and positioning helped keep the visitors largely anonymous for long stretches.

CB Neil Pierre — 7

Pierre continued his impressive season with another steady performance. The young center back handled Toronto’s physical forwards well and was rarely troubled defensively. He wasn’t asked to make many spectacular interventions because Philadelphia controlled the match so thoroughly, but he remained reliable throughout. 

RB Frankie Westfield — 7

A good night that could have been even better. Westfield thought he had scored his first goal of the season shortly before halftime, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. He remained active up and down the right flank and provided quality support in attack while handling his defensive responsibilities. A deserved goal narrowly escaped him.

DM Danley Jean Jacques — 8

Danley was instrumental in controlling midfield from the opening whistle. His driving run created the sequence that led to the Union’s first disallowed goal, and his energy allowed Philadelphia to sustain pressure throughout the night. Toronto struggled to play through the midfield because of his relentless work rate and ball-winning ability.

DM Jovan Lukić — 7

Lukić provided balance and control in the middle of the park. He did the dirty work that allowed Philadelphia’s attackers freedom to create, helping the Union dominate large stretches of possession despite Toronto’s slight statistical edge in that category. The yellow card was his only blemish on an otherwise solid outing. 

AM Indiana Vassilev — 7

Vassilev played a major role in the opening goal and was a constant outlet on the left side. His awareness to find Cavan Sullivan inside the box helped break the deadlock, and he combined effectively with teammates throughout the match. While he won’t receive most of the headlines, this was one of his more complete attacking performances of the season.

AM Quinn Sullivan — 9

Quinn was magnificent. He scored a penalty, assisted his brother’s second goal, delivered the cross that helped create the opener, and was involved in many of Philadelphia’s most dangerous moments. Two Union goals were disallowed after VAR reviews involving Quinn, meaning his final statistical output could easily have been even larger. He dictated much of the attack before making way for a memorable late substitution for Bedoya.

FWD Bruno Damiani — 8

This was one of Damiani’s better all-around games. His hold-up play consistently caused problems for Toronto’s defense, and his flicked header set up Cavan Sullivan’s second goal. He calmly converted his penalty in the second half and looked full of confidence throughout. The recent Uruguay call-up appears well deserved. 

FWD Cavan Sullivan — 10

The star of the night. Sullivan scored twice, earned the first penalty, and was at the center of nearly every dangerous Union attack. His movement repeatedly stretched Toronto’s defense, and his finishing quality ensured Philadelphia’s dominance translated into goals. With nine goals now on the season, he heads into the playoffs in outstanding form.

Substitutes

(46′) GK Andrew Rick — 7

Rick’s second-half replacement appearance was relatively quiet, but he handled everything asked of him and helped preserve the result. Toronto generated very little after halftime, though he remained alert when called upon.

(77′) MF Ben Bender — 6

Entered with the game largely under control. Brought energy in midfield and helped see out the victory, though he did pick up a late yellow card.

(82′) FWD Ezekiel Alladoh — 6

Provided fresh legs and helped maintain pressure against a tired Toronto side. A useful closing shift. 

(90′) FWD Malik Jakupović — NR

Not on the field long enough to earn a rating.

(90+6′) MF Alejandro Bedoya — 10

The appearance itself matters more than any rating. Bedoya received a deserved ovation in what was his final MLS regular-season appearance, bringing an end to one of the most important careers in club history. The 10 rating is a career rating well deserved. 

Geiger Counter

REF Tim Ford — 7

Ford had a busy night with two penalty decisions and multiple lengthy VAR reviews. Both penalties appeared straightforward, and while Union supporters may question the decision to disallow Westfield’s apparent goal, the major calls ultimately aligned with the video review process. Not a perfect evening, but generally a well-managed match.

Manager Rating

Manager Ryan Richter — 9

It’s difficult to ask for much more. Philadelphia dominated the match statistically, created chance after chance, received excellent performances from key attacking players, and entered the playoffs on a high note. Richter’s side looked organized, energetic, and confident from the opening whistle. The decision to give Bedoya a late cameo also provided a fitting emotional moment on an otherwise excellent night. 

Player of the Match — Cavan Sullivan

What’s Next

The Philadelphia Union now turn their attention to the MLS Cup Playoffs, where they will face the New England Revolution in a best-of-three Round One series beginning November 19. Philadelphia enters the postseason playing some of its best soccer of the year and carrying significant momentum after a remarkable climb from last place to a sixth-place finish in the Eastern Conference.