Baribo’s 100th-Minute Penalty Stuns Toronto as DC United Win 2-1

Tai Baribo buried a penalty in the 100th minute to spark bedlam at Audi Field as DC United stole a 2-1 victory from Toronto FC in a Major League Soccer thriller that twisted until the final seconds.

DC United Strike First Through Rowles

The home side weathered early Toronto possession to land the first blow four minutes before halftime. Keisuke Kurokawa’s whipped cross found Kye Rowles rising unmarked, the Australian defender thumping his header past Luka Gavran to send the Black-and-Red into raptures. DC’s 1-0 lead at the break belied Toronto’s 55% possession, but the Canadians had failed to turn territorial dominance into clear chances.

Toronto FC Fight Back Through Corbeanu

Robin Fraser’s triple substitution at halftime injected urgency, and Theo Corbeanu rewarded his manager’s faith in the 76th minute. The Romanian winger cut inside from the left and unleashed a dipping strike that left Sean Johnson grasping at air, sending the traveling supporters into delirium. Momentum swung violently – Toronto’s xG rocketed from 0.68 to 1.42 in a 15-minute barrage that saw Johnson make three vital saves.

DC United’s Dramatic Late Winner

Just as the game seemed destined for a draw, referee Victor Rivas pointed to the spot in the 98th minute after a handball scramble. Baribo, ice in his veins, sent Gavran the wrong way to spark pandemonium in the stands. The Israeli striker’s celebration – sprinting to embrace the substitutes – encapsulated a victory built on squad depth, with Rene Weiler using all five changes to fresh legs against Toronto’s tiring defense.

What This MLS Result Means

For DC United, this smash-and-grab extends their unbeaten run to five games, moving them into playoff contention. Toronto FC will rue wasting their superior possession (55%) and passing accuracy (84% vs 79%) – Fraser’s men have now dropped 11 points from winning positions this season. Both sides face quick turnarounds, with DC traveling to Philadelphia while Toronto host Cincinnati in matches that could define their playoff pushes.