Goalkeeper Heroics Stun Union as Toronto Salvage Late Draw
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By Kaus Pandey
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Summary:
- GK Luka Gavran scored a rare stoppage-time equalizer for Toronto.
- Robin Fraser’s side extended its unbeaten run to seven matches.
- Late drama capped a chaotic 3-3 draw at BMO Field.
Toronto FC got a moment few could have expected on Wednesday night in the MLS, as goalkeeper Luka Gavran scored a stoppage-time header to rescue a 3-3 draw against the Philadelphia Union at BMO Field.
A First for the Goalkeeper
Gavran had never scored a goal as a professional goalkeeper before, and he was not even sure he had ever done it at a serious level since his teenage years.
There may have been a penalty kick in his past, but nothing like this.
With Philadelphia leading after an 89th-minute goal, Toronto pushed everyone forward in search of an equaliser. Gavran joined the attack, moving into the opposition box as the final seconds ticked away.
After a cross was not cleared, Alfonso Coello kept the move alive and delivered the ball back into the area. Luka Gavran, standing at 6-foot-6, rose above the crowd and directed a header into the net to make it 3-3 deep into injury time.
I know people are saying, ‘Oh, you’re lying.’ But a win is a win. I would rather win 100 per cent
The 25-year-old said he last remembered scoring when he was 14, back when he played as a striker. On Wednesday, he found himself back in familiar territory, even if only for a single unforgettable moment.
“This Is a Perfect Moment to Knee Slide”
Toronto head coach Robin Fraser said he does not plan for goalkeepers to score, but he was not surprised to see Gavran involved late on.
The first ball came in, and it was like, ‘OK, he’s gonna pull it there. Then the ball came back out to Alonso, and it was just, ‘OK, get back in the box.’ I think I’m the biggest target there, so I just jumped, and the ball went kind of off my head, off my shoulder, but it went in. That’s all that matters.
After the goal, Gavran celebrated with a knee slide he said he often jokes about in soccer training.
We do a lot of (goal celebrations) in training, for a joke. If you score a nice goal, we always celebrate stuff. So I would always knee slide. I’m like, ‘This is a perfect moment to knee slide.’
The result extended Toronto’s unbeaten run to seven matches, while they remain unbeaten at home in their last 13.
“I’m pretty sure I’m greyer now than three hours ago,” Fraser said.
Toronto now turn to their extended homestand, with Atlanta United next at BMO Field as their strong run continues to build quietly but steadily.
