Baribo’s Stoppage‑Time Penalty Sends D.C. United Over Toronto FC

It was a night of nerves on the pitch in Washington, and the story really boiled down to a single spot‑kick. With the clock ticking deep into stoppage time, Tai Baribo stepped up and calmly slotted home a penalty, delivering D.C. United a 2‑1 victory over Toronto FC.

The drama had been building all night. United had taken the lead early – an own goal courtesy of Toronto defender Kobe Franklin in the 41st minute after a corner from Keisuke Kurokawa skidded in the wrong direction. The lead held for a while, but Toronto clawed back in the 76th minute when Theo Corbeanu smashed a volley that glanced off goalkeeper Sean Johnson and found the net.

Just when it looked like the match might finish level, Andre Dozzell earned a penalty after a clumsy challenge on Jackson Gilman. Baribo, who has now found the net in three straight games and boasts an impressive 11 goals in 14 appearances this season, stepped up. He didn’t even bother to look up – the ball swished into the bottom corner as the referee blew the final whistle.

Sean Johnson was a wall for United, making six crucial saves, while Toronto’s keeper Luka Gavran also had his moments, turning away a handful of attempts. The win finally broke United’s five‑game winless streak, a relief for a side that had been scrambling for points. For Toronto, the loss extended an 11‑game winless run, a statistic they’ll be desperate to reverse.

In the end, it was a night of mixed emotions: jubilation for the home crowd, frustration for the visitors, and a reminder that in soccer, a single kick can change everything.