Gazdag’s hat trick leads Union to top seed in MLS East

Seattle Sports

CHESTER, Pa. (AP) — Daniel Gazdag scored three goals and the Philadelphia Union wrapped up the top seed in the Eastern Conference, defeating FC Toronto 4-0 on Sunday.

The Union came into Decision Day needing a victory to assure themselves of the No. 1 seed, homefield advantage and a bye in the first round of the playoffs. A tie or a loss could have left the door open for Montreal to take first place.

Gazdag left little doubt, scoring in the 4th minute and assisting on Mikael Uhre’s goal in the 42nd minute as Philadelphia took a 2-0 lead at intermission.

In the second half, Gazdag scored on a penalty kick at 60 minutes and finished off the hat trick three minutes later.

Toronto did not have a shot on goal.

The Union improved to 19-5-10 and Toronto dropped to 9-18-7.

The Union finished with 67 points to Montreal’s 65. Montreal defeated Miami 3-1.

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