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Late Koevermans strike helps TFC grab first win

May 26, 2012 - 10:49 PM Toronto, ON (Sports Network) - Danny Koevermans entered Saturday's match against the Philadelphia Union a villain but left a hero as he scored in the 88th minute to help Toronto FC claim a 1-0 win for its first points of the season.

Koevermans made waves following Toronto's 3-1 loss at D.C. United last weekend, stating that his club was the worst in the world. But he was able to clinch a dramatic win at BMO Field despite only being on the pitch for 27 minutes, scoring at the death to move Toronto (1-9-0) to within five points of Philadelphia (2-7-2) in the Eastern Conference cellar.

Toronto had the better running of the opening period but Philadelphia emerged from halftime with a renewed vigor.

The Union came within inches of grabbing the lead five minutes after the restart when Michael Farfan ripped a shot off the crossbar from outside the box.

The home side went on the offensive after sustaining some early second-half pressure and nearly opened the scoring 10 minutes from time when Torsten Frings found himself one-on-one with Chris Konopka, but the Union goalkeeper produced a superb save to preserve the shutout.

Konopka's dreams of a clean sheet were thwarted eight minutes later as Koevermans popped up in the dying minutes with the lone goal of the affair. The Dutchman flicked a low cross from Nick Soolsma on goal from close range and while Konopka was able to make a quick reaction save, the loose ball was tucked in on the second attempt.

Both clubs will enjoy a three-week break before returning to league action on June 16. Toronto will look to build on its first league win of the season when it heads to Livestrong Sporting Park to take on Sporting Kansas City, and Philadelphia will try to get back on track in a meeting with D.C. United at PPL Park.