The Montreal Impact v Toronto FC rivalry is now into “Jaws” territory as they are ready for their fourth encounter of the season as TFC travel to Stade Saputo for a Wednesday night clash. The two sides have met three times previously in all competitions with an even split of both sides earning a win and a 0-0 draw in between.
The Impact have had mixed results of late bouncing back and forth between wins and losses, however, in their last two wins both have been in their newly renovated stadium, and both against formidable opposition in the Seattle Sounders and Houston Dynamo. Toronto on the other hand are once again under the guidance of a new head coach and still trying to get their feet beneath them. The offence has begun to click with Danny Koevermans finding the back of the net two games in a row, but defending is still the Achilles heel for them and where they are losing points.
This match goes beyond two division rivals, as it is one between two cities that transcends sports. At first glance, Montreal’s early form at home is enough to intimidate any side in the league, however, the manner in which they have matched up against Seattle and Houston compared to how Toronto lost points in their last two games, makes this encounter much closer than first glance. Montreal certainly are the favourites, but will need to be mindful of Toronto’s emerging offence, as this match will likely come down to who can stay on their feet at the final whistle.
Keep Thinking
It has been a tough two weeks for Toronto FC, let alone 2012 season. Naming another new head coach in Paul Mariner has resulted in a period of transition and adjustment, at the cost of results. However, the Reds have looked improved in some areas, but become even more woeful in others. Danny Koevermans has appeared to have rediscovered his scoring touch and he will be a player, along with Ryan Johnson, the Impact will need to key in on.
Montreal are more than happy to welcome Toronto FC to their newly renovated confines of Stade Saputo. Since opening just under two weeks ago, the Impact have faced two top MLS sides in Seattle and Houston, scoring four goals in each those games and winning both. The two results were highlighted by a dominant midfield lead by Felipe and Canadian International Patrice Bernier, both being instrumental in creating and scoring for Montreal.
As eluded to at the start, despite the solid run at home, there is more to this fixture than recent form. The manner in which Montreal have won and Toronto lost does not necessarily match up for the perfect outcome, specifically for the Impact. Toronto’s last two draws and previous loss, came through consistent pressure from distance and balls into the area. Montreal currently do not have a big target up front to get onto these kind of deliveries as Bernardo Corradi is out injured for the season, DP Marco Di Vaio is not available yet and Justin Braun has been underwhelming in ten appearances.
There is no question their skill comes from the midfield with Felipe and Bernier supported by MLS veterans Justin Mapp and Davy Arnaud as well as speedster Sanna Nyassi. Montreal have the skill and players to dominate this area of the pitch, but this is not where or how TFC have been dropping points of late.
One of the reasons for this is what has been a switch in formation and surprisingly improved midfield. While Torsten Frings has looked much less influential, that has been balanced out by Julian De Guzman looking particularly energized, Eric Avila adding the pace and even Terry Dunfield offering some width to his willingness to always get stuck in.
The Impact surely have gotten the scouting report on Toronto’s backline, which has been unable to put forth a complete ninety minutes since Paul Mariner has come on board. The strategy is simply deliver balls into the area, and pushing the ball deep and winning corners would be wise for Montreal as it would give their defenders an opportunity to get a head on the ball. The midfield has been strong in delivering goals, but Milos Kocic has been impressive of late stopping shots and has only shown cracks when his defenders have hung him out to dry.
At this stage, Toronto’s best chance is to keep doing what they’ve been doing and hope they can catch a break with an opposition offence going cold. Danny Koevermans and Ryan Johnson have looked strong together for the last three games and their partnership has been paying off with four goals between them over the last two games. With Matteo Ferrari potentially out of this game, a real opportunity to get balls onto the head of Koevermans should once again be the approach for the Reds.
However, getting Koevermans and Johnson involved will require a strong performance from the midfield linking up and providing service. On the other side, Montreal will need their group in the middle to carry the load and find a way through an in-form Kocic. Both group of defenders aren’t at optimal strength and whichever side can control possession and create the best chances in the midfield will likely take the lead in this head to head rivalry.
In the End
The initial reaction to this match, given recent form, would be a sound victory for the Montreal Impact. Two impressive wins in their first two games at Stade Saputo is reason enough to believe they should be able to dismantle Toronto. However, the manner in which they’ve looked impressive is not how TFC have been silenced by their last three opponents. The task at hand for Montreal will be either adjusting their approach to taking advantage of Toronto’s obvious weaknesses or doing what has been working and see if it will continue. If the Reds can find any kind of form at the back it will go a long way in them earning another result, and with their attack beginning to shift into fifth gear, they should have enough to make a real game of this one.
Prediction
Montreal Impact 2 – Toronto FC 2
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