Toronto FC fans finally had reason to celebrate as their team secured a long-awaited victory at home, defeating D.C. United 2-0 on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at BMO Field. This match marked the first home win for Toronto FC under head coach Robin Fraser and just their second victory of the season, bringing a much-needed boost to the beleaguered squad.
After the final whistle, Fraser expressed his elation, stating, "F*** yeah!" as he addressed the media. He reflected on the team's commitment and the hard work they had put in, saying, "I’m just so proud of them. It’s really hard to have belief when you haven’t gotten the kind of results that back up the work that you’re doing. So for them to come out and put a performance like this today, the kind of commitment they made to each other before they started the game, and then go out and back it up on the field, I couldn’t be more proud." This victory ended a nine-game winless streak at home that had lasted eight months.
The match saw Lorenzo Insigne deliver a standout performance, scoring his first goal of the season in the 49th minute with a diving header from a cross by Theo Corbeanu. Insigne's goal was pivotal, not only because it marked his return to form but also because it was the first league goal he scored since June 15, 2024. He also provided an assist for the second goal, which was an own goal by D.C. United's Lucas Bartlett in the 66th minute, sealing the victory for Toronto.
Insigne's resurgence was crucial for Toronto FC, which had struggled offensively, scoring only four goals in their previous nine matches. His contributions on Saturday were a breath of fresh air for a team that had not found the back of the net at home in 488 minutes prior to this match. "I thought he was excellent today," Fraser said of Insigne. "His intelligence and understanding of what's happening on the field offensively and defensively, I think, is underestimated."
The first half was dominated by Toronto FC, who launched a staggering 14 shots, with five on target, compared to D.C. United's solitary off-target effort. The Reds came close to scoring early on when Deybi Flores hit the post with a stunning volley in the ninth minute. However, they would have to wait until the second half to break the deadlock.
Fraser's tactical changes, which included starting Insigne and Kevin Long, paid off as his team executed a swift counter-attack right after halftime. Corbeanu's cross found Insigne, who made no mistake in heading it home. This goal not only lifted the spirits of the home crowd but also marked a significant milestone for Insigne, who had been left out of the squad in the early part of the season.
Despite D.C. United's attempts to rally after falling behind, including a late effort from reigning MLS Golden Boot winner Christian Benteke, Toronto's goalkeeper Sean Johnson was in fine form, making a spectacular save to deny Benteke's low shot in the 85th minute. Johnson's performance was instrumental in securing the clean sheet, as he and the defense effectively neutralized Benteke throughout the match.
Toronto FC's defensive unit, featuring Sigurd Rosted and Kevin Long, stood tall against the D.C. attack, limiting their chances and ensuring that Benteke had little opportunity to make an impact. "I thought Siggy and Longy and the guys in front, Alo and Deybi, worked so well tonight to limit chances for him to even be effective," Fraser noted.
The atmosphere at BMO Field was electric, with an announced crowd of 20,236 witnessing the much-needed victory. However, it was a bittersweet moment as many supporters had previously protested against the team's management, carrying banners that read "Empty Words = Empty Seats" before the match.
Toronto's triumph over D.C. United comes as a much-needed morale booster as they prepare for their next two matches: a home game against FC Cincinnati on May 14 and a derby clash against CF Montréal on May 17. "Honestly, we deserve it," said Federico Bernardeschi, who also played a crucial role in the game. "Now, we have to push it and keep going like that. It’s important for the confidence of the team and in front of our fans. The stadium was amazing today. It's very, very important today."
Looking ahead, the pressure will be on Toronto FC to build on this victory and ensure it is not a one-off performance. With the potential for a turnaround in their season, fans are hopeful that this win can ignite a spark for the team moving forward.
