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Posted by
Mat Rooney,
November 30, 2016 |
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Mat Rooney
On Twitter:
@rooney_matthew
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Under the cold November rain, Toronto FC and Montreal Impact completed what might prove to be the single most thrilling two-game series in MLS history and possibly the biggest professional soccer event to ever happen in Canada (until next weekend). With tensions high, Toronto came at Montreal with everything it had but Montreal refused to back down.
:That night at BMO..."
The Opening 45
Toronto came out hard on the attack, earning several great chances early. But their aggressiveness hurt them greatly and allowed Dominic Oduro and Montreal to draw first blood and Laurent Ciman seemed like a one-man chance killing machine for much of the half (and the game).
Tensions on the field ran high as the rain poured down. Feeling the great sting from that first goal, Toronto came at Montreal hard. Armando Cooper evened it up for Toronto and, just before the half ended, Jozy Altidore put Toronto ahead on aggregate.
The Second Half
Toronto seemed to take in easy to start the second-half but their carelessness cost them. A messy goal from Ignacio Piatti put Montreal ahead again on aggregate but it didn't take long for a header from Nick Hagglund to even things up.
Despite several great chances for Tosaint Ricketts and Sebastia Giovinco, Toronto was unable to breakdown Montreal and the game went to extra-time.
Extra-Time
Early into extra time, Toronto seemed to have a panic attack as Giovinco had to leave the game with injury. But it was the man who came in for him that got Toronto going.
Benoit Cheyrou scored a header off a cross from Steven Beitashour to give Toronto the lead on aggregate. Just minutes later, Canadian Player of the Year nominee, Tosaint Ricketts padded Toronto's lead.
Down but not out, Montreal fought back with everything they had, what may be the final free-kick in Didier Drogba's career was saved by Clint Irwin, but Toronto hung on to win the game and advanced to the MLS Cup final.
Man of the Match
Armando Cooper
Since he arrived on loan from Árabe Unido, Cooper has been one of the best performing TFC players and tonight, with a goal and an assist, he proved Toronto need to make him a full-time TFC player.
Laurent Ciman
Ciman stopped a great many Toronto chances almost all on his own, reminding us once again he is one of the best defending in MLS today.
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