Toklomati Makes Charlotte History, but Union Rally to Keep 15-Game Unbeaten Run Alive
Idan Toklomati broke Charlotte FC's single-season scoring record at Subaru Park, but Bruno Damiani's 73rd-minute equalizer rescued a 2-2 draw that ends Philadelphia's eight-game win streak while extending their unbeaten run.
Something had to give in Chester on Saturday, and in the end it was the Philadelphia Union's win streak — but not their unbeaten run. The Union and Charlotte FC played out a 2-2 draw at Subaru Park that snapped Philadelphia's eight-match MLS winning streak while stretching their unbeaten run to 15 games, per the Philly Soccer Page match report. The Union haven't lost a league game since May.
A record falls
The night's history belonged to a visitor. Idan Toklomati headed in David Schnegg's cross in the 62nd minute for his 13th league goal of the season, breaking Charlotte's single-season MLS scoring record of 12 set by Karol Swiderski in 2023, according to the AP. The goal put Charlotte 2-1 up and briefly threatened to end the unbeaten run entirely.
Philadelphia had led through Milan Iloski's 24th-minute penalty, awarded after a handball on his free kick. Rodolfo Aloko levelled three minutes into the second half off a Toklomati pass, and after Toklomati's record-breaker, Bruno Damiani answered in the 73rd minute from Danley Jean Jacques' assist. Damiani's night ended early — he limped off in the 82nd minute for Malik Jakupovic.
It could have swung either way: Ashley Westwood hit the post for Charlotte in the 34th minute and the visitors struck the woodwork again late, while the Union had a Cavan Sullivan goal disallowed in the second half. Charlotte held 62% of the ball; the Union piled up 21 shots.
The playoff math
Neither side clinched anything. Charlotte, who per the AP sit one spot ahead of Philadelphia in the Eastern Conference, needed a combination of results elsewhere on Saturday night to seal a playoff berth — otherwise their next chance comes October 24 at Portland. The Union's reward for the point is a week off before a heavyweight visit from third-placed New England, who sit one point ahead of them.