Toronto FC overcame a nervy start and finish in its MLS Cup playoff match with the Philadelphia Union to secure a 3-1 win.
Toronto talisman Sebastian Giovinco opened the scoring in the 15th minute, scrambling for a loose ball in the penalty area and lofting a shot into the net past Philadelphia's Andre Blake.
The hosts nearly doubled their lead minutes later when Giovinco's corner bounced right in front of the Union goal, but Blake denied Toronto from close range.
Seeking its first playoff win in club history, Toronto had a dream start to the second half as Jonathan Osorio jumped on a loose ball at the far post and smashed home to make it 2-0 in the 48th minute.
Philadelphia came to life after going two goals down and were very much the aggressors after that, and Jim Curtin's team would find its opener in the 73rd minute when Alejandro Bedoya smashed home from six yards away to make it 2-1.
Toronto put the match away in the 84th minute, though, when Giovinco found Jozy Altidore with a chip to the far post and the U.S. national team player slotted the ball past Blake after his headed cross came right back to his feet.
Toronto will host New York City FC in the first leg of their quarterfinal matchup on Sunday, Oct. 30.