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The 2015 MLS regular season is coming to an end and it is TFC's most dramatic final weekend since 2009. The Reds travel down the 401 to take on rivals the Montreal Impact, who have had an impressive resurgence on their season once signing Didier Drogba and parting ways with Frank Klopas. There is much at stake for both clubs as a loss could take all the shine off both teams recent run of results and accomplishment of making the playoffs. Toronto FC, in particular, will need to fight tooth and nail for a result and losing all three points could put them in a position of playing on the road in the opening round. Greg Vanney will hopefully have benefited from a week's rest to have his side prepared mentally as they will need to put in a much greater display than seen last weekend against Columbus.
Keep thinking
For the past month, Toronto had been doing well in controlling their own destiny. Their five game homestand began dispatching the weakest opponents of that stretch and staying in a strong position to make the playoffs. Just over a week ago they put in perhaps one of their best matches of 2015 in taking on the top side in MLS, the New York Red Bulls, and comprehensively keeping a better team at bay, taking advantage of chances and a flash of Giovinco brilliance propelled them into the post-season.
However, with two games left and a great position still up for grabs, that display against New York and a truly advantageous spot was wasted in an uninspiring performance against the Columbus Crew. Granted, Columbus had two week's break while Toronto only had a matter of days, but this point of the MLS schedule is the "Championship Rounds" where there can be no excuses and if you don't dig deep, you lose.
What was most concerning from the result against Columbus was there were players available who might have made an impact or slotted into previously successful approaches, however, 32 games in and Greg Vanney is still tinkering with positions and tactics. The Crew, to their credit, were extremely disciplined in their strategy and were patient in when and how they struck. While defending has been greatly improved, it was once again a mental breakdown on set pieces and inability to recognize key threats that has undone good displays of late.
Greg Vanney's biggest task over the week will be identifying where it came apart and ensuring the best eleven, in their best positions, are mentally ready for a proper derby match.
The Impact spent much of 2015 where many expected, near the bottom of the table and struggling for good results. It is not surprising the combination of firing Frank Klopas, signing Didier Drogba, and for a dash of Canadian pride, the return of Patrice Bernier, has seen the Impact rejuvenated and now a win away from a strong playoff position.
It was a season where realistically Montreal could not be seen as contenders, but right now you cannot talk about them without including Drogba. While it might be premature for any debate on which DP is better, what cannot be debated is that the two most impactful DPs from a performance perspective in the league's history will both be on the pitch at the same time. What is most impressive about Drogba is that even at 37 years of age, he is still playing at a top level and able to do many of the same techniques that have made MLS defenders look foolish that Giovinco has also done.
TFC were fortunate that this last matchup at BMO Field did not include Drogba, but also Ignacio Piatti, Montreal's other key offensive threat. Since the 2-1 result in Toronto, Montreal have been on a streak where they've won 6, lost 2 and drawn 2. Key to this fixture is Montreal have not been beaten at home in their last four appearances at Statde Saputo and have been getting points on the road as well. While Drogba has gotten the main share of attention, the support to his performances have also been key.
Defensively Montreal should have the advantage as Laurent Ciman has been a solid addition to the league and one of the best defenders in 2015. With a true anchor on the back line, TFC don't have the same level of leadership and this will be the biggest area of concern. The midfield will likely be the biggest test as Donadel has settled into the league and Patrice Bernier made a comeback into the gameday roster. Add in Nigel Reo-Coker and Dilly Duka and they are a solid core. Toronto will be happy to see Jonathan Osorio return as his technique and ball control was sorely missed against Columbus. The result was a match where Michael Bradley did not look focused and when that is the case, even Benoit Cheyrou does not offer his best.
The final part of this fixture will be in attack, and as already noted the marquee will say Drogba v. Giovinco, and that is undoubtedly the best player match up the league has to offer on this day. However, their support is equally important and Montreal might have a few more options as Piatti and Domenic Oduro both bring different approaches, while TFC's Jozy Altidore has scored at a good rate but truthfully does not influence the flow of the game. It is difficult to see who will emerge and shine, as both teams have been in good form, but truthfully, Montreal's last ten results have been more impressive and Toronto will need to rediscover the determination seen against New York Red Bulls if they are to earn a coveted playoff position.
In the end
The last game of the 2015 season could end up being one of the most important in TFC-history. Along with away to New York in 2009 and Santos Laguna in 2012, the Sunday fixture against Montreal could be the difference between hosting a home game or playing a one-off on the road in the opening round. Motivation should not be an issue against a true rival, however, the Reds did not look energized last weekend against Columbus and in this match there can be no excuse. TFC will need their triumvirate of DPs firing on all cylenders because now they are being matched up against one of equal skill and impact with Didier Drogba. The Impact are confident and deserve to be so, but when ready and determined, a Giovinco-lead TFC will be hard to deny.
Prediction
Toronto FC 2-2 Montreal Impact
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