Toronto tighten grip on MLS Cup berth

Toronto consolidated their grip on an MLS Cup place after goals from Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore gave them a 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union at BMO Field.

Following a largely uneventful opening to the clash, it exploded into life on 28 minutes when Giovinco's free kick was too hot for Andre Blake.

The former Juventus man almost doubled the lead on the stroke of half time when his long-distance effort was pawed away by Blake, who preserved the one-goal deficit at the break.

Greg Vanney's side were restricted to long-range shots after the interval, while Cristian Maidana's free kick from 30 yards on 52 minutes represented the visitors' first shot on goal.

The Canadians took a big step towards a third successive MLS victory on 63 minutes when ex-Sunderland striker Altidore swept home a Marco Delgado cross from six yards.

Union did throw themselves a lifeline, however, with Steven Vitoria heading home Maidana's free kick three minutes later, but Vanney's men sealed the win when Richard Marquez added an own goal late on.

Toronto, who have three matches left, sit fifth in the Eastern Conference, four points clear of Montreal Impact, who have two games in hand.