Toronto FC halts Timbers' 10-game win streak, with Italian stars leading way

The Italian job is working out nicely for Toronto FC.

Late goals by Italian stars Lorenzo Insigne and Federico Bernardeschi lifted Toronto to a 3-1 win over Portland in Major League Soccer play Saturday night, ending the Timbers' unbeaten run at 10 games.

TFC (8-12-5) is now unbeaten in four games (3-0-1) since the Italian duo took the field, collecting 10 of a possible 12 points with Insigne and Bernardeschi leading the way. The club had managed just eight points in its previous 14 league games (2-10-2) dating back to mid-April.

Bernardeschi (three goals and two assists) and Insigne (two goals and one assist) have been involved in eight of Toronto's last 10 goals.

Toronto coach Bob Bradley, who must have been awaiting their midseason arrival like a kid on Christmas Eve, is not surprised.

"Look, these guys bring some special qualities," he said by way of understatement.

WATCH | Insigne scores at BMO Field for the first time:

Since their arrival, Toronto has defeated Charlotte 4-0, tied New England 0-0 and beaten Nashville 4-3 and Portland 3-1. The club has also posted its first shutout and road win of the season.

With nine games left, Toronto is not out of the playoff hunt, although there are more than a few teams between it and the playoff line in the congested Eastern Conference. And TFC is showing itself to be a prickly opponent.

The Italian tide is lifting everyone.

Jonathan Osorio opened scoring Saturday with his team-leading ninth of the season — and third in the last two games. Captain Michael Bradley, Bob's son, set up Insigne for the second time in as many games — although he did not get an assist Saturday — and had two goals himself against Charlotte.

"When you have good players, it doesn't take long for other