For the fifth straight game, Toronto was unable to snag a victory but a late goal helped them leave Saputo Stadium with a draw and as the winner of this year's 401 Derby. Despite settling for a tie, Montreal Impact secured a playoff spot for the second straight year but dealt with a great shock off the pitch.
The Opening 45
Prior to the match, there was much talk on both sides. Sebastian Giovinco was back in the line-up for Toronto while Didier Drogba refused to play, after not being included in the starting XI. Giovinco contributed big time for Toronto while Montreal didn't really seem to miss Drogba.
Despite the rain, the game was high energy with chances at both ends with Armando Cooper continuing to impress with an early chance and Ignacio Piatti scored a wonderful goal. Evan Bush had several big saves against Giovinco.
The Second Half
Jozy Altidore tied things up early with a weak goal that just went past Evan Bush. The celebrations were short lived as Matteo Mancosu was fouled in the box resulted in a penalty kicked that Piatti scored with ease.
With things looking bleak late in the game, Giovinco sent the ball flying into the Montreal box where Altidore brought in down in front of the net. Laurent Ciman went to recover it but Tosaint Ricketts beat him to it and tied the game up at 2.
Both teams are now heading to the playoffs with big questions looming over them. For Toronto it's “what's wrong with our defense?” and for Montreal “have we seen the last of Drogba?”.
TFC Man of the Match
Sebastian Giovinco
In his much-needed return, Giovinco was on fire for Toronto. While he was unable to find the back of the net, he had Bush on edge and was key to Ricketts late goal.
Impact Man of the Match
Ignacio Piatti
Piatti’s wonderful first half goal was truly a thing of beauty and he continues to be the best penalty taker in the league.
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