Late Sargent goal keeps Toronto playoff hopes alive

TORONTO -- Josh Sargent scored a go-ahead goal in the 86th minute to help Toronto FC beat D.C. United 2-1 on Wednesday night.

Sargent calmly slotted home a rebound for his ninth goal of the season after Theo Corbeanu's shot bounced off the post. It was the ninth time this season Toronto has scored a tying or go-ahead goal in the final 10 minutes of a game.

Toronto (9-11-12), which finished its home schedule with a 6-2-9 record, needed the win after entering three points outside of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference.

D.C. United (7-13-12) was eliminated from playoff contention.

Andre Dozzell scored his first goal for D.C. United in the 29th minute. He settled a back pass from Silvan Hefti and sent a low shot off the right hand of a diving Luka Gavran that went inside the far post.

Toronto tied it at 1-1 in the 63rd on its first shot on target. Sargent elevated for a header that deflected off Jonathan Osorio's back and past goalkeeper Sean Johnson. The goal, originally given to Sargent, was initially disallowed due to an offside flag but a video review confirmed it counted.

D.C. United plays away against Columbus on Saturday, while Atlanta hosts Toronto on Sunday.

Both Toronto and Columbus are vying for the final playoff spots in the East.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this recap.