Chicago Fire 1, Toronto FC 2 | 2018 MLS Match Recap

Sebastian Giovinco and Jonathan Osorio both scored after halftime to lift Toronto FC to a desperately needed 2-1 victory over the Chicago Fire at Toyota Park on Saturday evening.

Michael Bradley picked up an assist on a night both Jozy Altidore and Victor Vazquez returned from injury, as a TFC side that has struggled mightily in 2018 offered a performance of 2017 vintage.

In the process, the Reds snapped a six-match winless streak as they try to stay alive in the Eastern Conference playoff race. They began the evening 11 points beneath the playoff line.

Nemanja Nikolic scored his 10th goal of the season off a set piece, but couldn't prevent Chicago from falling to an MLS-worst sixth home loss of the season. Only Colorado have suffered as many as five home defeats in 2018.

Goals

• 47' - TOR - Sebastian Giovinco | Watch
• 62' - CHI - Nemanja Nikolic | Watch
• 65' - TOR - Jonathan Osorio | Watch

Three Things

• THE BIG PICTURE: It's still a mighty long climb back into serious playoff contention, but Toronto will have to be encouraged by the number of projected preseason starters who made their way onto the field. Particularly impressive was Altidore's 80-minute shift in his first match action since late April. However, some think Altidore was fortunate not to draw a Video Review for the aftermath of Jorge Corrales' foul on him late in the first half.
• MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Giovinco hit a crisp finish two minutes after halftime to open the scoring. But how about the service from Bradley deep in his own end to set up the goal?
• MAN OF THE MATCH: Osorio showed composure in letting defenders lunge by him before finishing off his winner from very close. Then he showed more as a key link in Toronto's attacking end as the Reds killed off the game by keeping most of the ball over the final 15 minutes.

Up Next

• CHI: Saturday, July 28 at Toronto FC (7 pm ET | TSN — Full TV & streaming info)
• TOR: Canadian Championship — Wednesday, July 25 vs. Ottawa Fury FC (TBD | Canadasoccer.com; Yahoo! Sports Canada)