luka gavran toronto fc

Toronto FC keeper scores ridiculous walk-off goalie goal

Toronto FC just extended its unbeaten streak to seven games in possibly the craziest way imaginable.

In extra time, Toronto trailed the Philadelphia Union 3-2 in the 96th minute. On what was likely the final play before the whistle, Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran sprinted upfield to act as an extra attacker on a last-ditch free kick.

As Toronto FC's Alonso Coello delivered a cross into the box, it was met by Gavran’s head, then shoulder, and into the back of the net — knotting the game at three and sending BMO Field into a frenzy.

Gavran waved off his teammates before dropping into an epic knee-slide celebration toward Toronto FC's bench.

"My initial thought when the ball went in was, 'Oh my lord, this is unbelievable,'" Gavran told reporters post-game. "I wanted to take my jersey off [to celebrate], but I remembered I still had my goalie gloves on. The knee slide felt perfect for the moment."

In the club's 20-year history, a goalkeeper had never scored a goal in a Toronto FC uniform. Gavran's goal puts him in elite company, becoming only the third goalkeeper to score in MLS history and the first to do so since 2010.

Toronto FC manager Robin Fraser, who has coached and played in more than 1,000 MLS games, described Gavran's play as "rare and phenomenal."

"I can't tell you how many times goalkeepers go up into the play and nothing comes of it," Fraser laughed. "It was brilliant and exciting for the fans."

The draw against Philadelphia marked Toronto's third consecutive tie. The Reds have not lost since Feb. 28 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC, but they face a tougher schedule in the coming weeks.

Toronto's next match is against Atlanta United FC on April 25, before welcoming the league-leading San Jose Earthquakes, followed by a matchup against Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF in early May.

Lead photo by
Nicole Remedios/Toronto FC

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