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Kleberson's late goal gives Union dramatic win

Kleberson didn't show any rust in scoring one of the most important goals of the season for the Union. The Brazilian midfielder drilled a free kick from 24 yards out during second-half stoppage time to lead the Union to a 1-0 win over Toronto FC before 18,996 at PPL Park in Chester.

Kleberson didn't show any rust in scoring one of the most important goals of the season for the Union.

The Brazilian midfielder drilled a free kick from 24 yards out during second-half stoppage time to lead the Union to a 1-0 win over Toronto FC before 18,996 at PPL Park in Chester.

Since June 2, Kleberson had played a total of 10 minutes and had not seen any action in the previous three games.

It was only the veteran Brazilian star's eighth game with the Union and his first goal.

"I am very happy and wanted to show the Union fans I could score," Kleberson said afterward, with teammate Leo Fernandes serving as interpreter.

The Union were playing a man down. Midfielder Fabinho was issued a red card and sent off in the 77th minute after stomping Alvaro Rey following a tackle by the Toronto midfielder.

With three games remaining, the Union have moved into the fifth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot. They are 12-10-9 and have 45 points, two more than the sixth-place Chicago Fire.

The fact that Toronto, one of only three MLS teams eliminated from playoff contention entering the weekend, gave the Union all it could handle is no surprise. The two teams played to 1-1 draws in their previous two games this season.

The 34-year-old Kleberson said he was ready when called upon and reveled in taking the big kick, which came in the 95th minute.

"It is something I practice a lot," he said about taking free kicks. "I was very calm and knew I could do it."

Everybody is wondering if this will earn Kleberson some additional playing time.

"That is [manager John Hackworth's] decision," he said. "I am always ready to perform on the field."

During second-half stoppage time, Union keeper Zac MacMath kept the game tied when he stopped a shot from Rey taken at the top of the box that initially looked like it could have been a more dangerous opportunity.

Union forward Antoine Hoppoent, who replaced Jack McInerney in the 57th minute, had several chances to score.

The best came when he hit the post in the 60th minute after taking a feed from Danny Cruz and shooting from inside the box.

phillynews.com

@sjnard