After ending 12-game winless skid, Toronto FC finally has momentum on its side

New arrival Niklas Dorsch’s first MLS goal was the winner against the Revolution. It was Toronto’s first win since a 3-2 home victory over Colorado on April 4, which capped a stretch of three wins in four games.

“We know we can do so much better with the group we have,” said Corbeanu, a Hamilton native. “And yeah, I think there’s a lot more to come.”

The Reds looked like they had playoff potential in the early days of spring, but that faded in recent months as underperformance and injuries impacted the 4-7-8 club.

Captain Jonathan Osorio (knee) and forward Deandre Kerr (lower-body) remain out but defender Matheus Pereira could return after missing four months with a groin injury.

“I think he’s a tremendous player and we haven’t had the good fortune of being able to have him (most of the) year,” said head coach Robin Fraser. “Certainly having him back is a welcome thing.”

Midfielder Djordje Mihailovic won’t be available due to suspension. He was given a red card in the 76th minute against the Revolution.

Toronto opened the scoring on an own goal and took a 2-0 lead when Dorsch found the top corner from outside the penalty area. It was the second MLS game for the German midfielder, acquired last month from FC Heidenheim of the Bundesliga’s second division.

Mihailovic had an assist on the highlight-reel effort.

“Djordje is obviously very talented and usually involved in most of the good things that we do offensively,” Fraser said. “So it’ll be a loss not having him. But we’re at the time of year that we have to get results.

“Guys have to step up and guys have to play well. Regardless of who’s there or who’s not there, we have to get results.”

With 20 points, Toronto is four points out of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference standings with 15 games to play. D.C. United holds the last position with Orlando City FC three points back and the Columbus Crew four points behind.

Charlotte (8-7-4), meanwhile, has picked up four wins over seven games since the FIFA World Cup break to sit fifth in the East with 28 points.

“Coming back from the break, we’ve been understanding our roles a lot more than before, which is good,” Charlotte head coach Dean Smith said before departing for Toronto.

Pep Biel leads the attack with 10 goals and four assists this season. He scored in a 3-1 win over Toronto when the teams met last May at Bank of America Stadium.

Smith previously coached Toronto striker Josh Sargent at Norwich City of the English League Championship.

Sargent, who joined TFC as a designated player on a reported US$22-million transfer fee last winter, has three goals in 12 matches this season.

“He can be a threat in behind, he’s good in the air, he can make the ball stick,” Smith said. “It was no surprise to me that Toronto ended up paying a lot of money to bring him in.”

Charlotte has won its last four games against Toronto.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 18, 2026.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

After ending 12-game winless skid, Toronto FC finally has momentum on its side

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