Sebastian Giovinco fires Toronto past Philadelphia Union

Toronto have climbed up to fifth in the Eastern Conference after Sebastian Giovinco's free kick handed them a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union at PPL Park.

Ashtone Morgan's inch-perfect through ball created an early opportunity for the visitors, but Giovinco was unable to beat the defenders with his shot in a congested box.

Philadelphia dominated possession for long spells, and they came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock when Fernando Aristeguieta headed just over.

However, it was a moment of magic at the other end which produced the first goal as Giovinco sent home an unstoppable free kick from close to 35 yards.

Chris Konopka came to Toronto's rescue just before the break to tip a Cristian Maidana effort against the bar.

Toronto defended impressively to limit the chances on offer to the home side in the second half, and the visitors almost scored a second when Michael Bradley linked up with Giovinco before seeing John McCarthy make a fine save.

Philadelphia piled the pressure on in search of a point, but Toronto held firm to record their third win of the season.