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The stage was set for rivals Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact to play in a jam-packed State Saputo. Coming off a 3-0 loss to DC, this was a must-win for Toronto, who is in the mix for a playoff position. They had to get a result without Defoe, who was a last minute scratch with a groin injury. Montreal on the other hand were looking to end the six game losing streak that got Nick De Santis out as Sporting Director.
Frank Klopas now has the reins completely for the Montreal Impact for the remainder of the season, and he was looking to get off to a good start. Toronto were also looking for revenge after the Impact beat them on aggregate 2-1 in the Amway Canadian Championship final. Of course, Montreal were also looking to do what they love to do, beat Toronto.
The Opening 45
The fans came in numbers on what is turning out to be a beautiful day in Montreal. Troy Perkins took his spot back in front of the Impact net after Evan Bush got starts in the past few games. He was put to the test early from a shot inside the 6-yard box, but he stifled it.
But it was Toronto who struck early in the 11th minute. A low one-touch cross from the right side found Gilberto wide open in front of Perkins. He blasted it off the crossbar and right behind the line for a goal. Montreal has now allowed 11 goals in their last six games including this one, worsening their defensive record.
Warner and Bradley were doing good work in the middle of the field, moving the play forward every time they had space with the ball. The Impact opted for Miller in the middle in place of a benched Felipe, and the rookie’s lack of experience in the mid was evident early on.
Montreal possession was sparse and short, but with a few good spells of pressure, mostly generated by Mapp down by his favorite right side, or Bernier in the middle of the park. But halfway through the first, Toronto was the dominant team.
The Impact’s best chance came in a set piece in the 26th minute after a Toronto handball right outside the box. Marco Di Vaio sent the ball in from the right side aiming for Camara, who touched it wide.
In the 36th minute, Romero, who’s been active thus far on the left side, earned a free kick right outside the box. Di Vaio stepped up yet again, but the ball was easily cleared off the ensuing cross.
Bernier’s stellar first half almost paid off in the 39th minute, when he fired a shot from right outside the box that ended up just wide. Bernier’s form has been quietly improving ever since he’s gotten back from injury, and were starting to see the Bernier we know more often as the season progresses.
The Second Half
Toronto picked up right where they left off, starting the second with a good bout of aggressive possession. Montreal was looking like they were lacking the drive and intensity moving forward. Recognizing this, Klopas opted to bring in Felipe in the 51st minute to try and gain control in the middle of the field.
It didn’t take long for Toronto to boule their lead. A beautiful through ball for Oduro from Bradley put the TFC forward on a foot race for the ball. His pass was deflected towards the net, and touched in by a streaking Luke Moore from the right side. It was now 2-0 for Toronto in the 54th minute.
Di Vaio had an opportunity to get one back in the 57th minute, but the angle was shut down by keeper Joseph Bendick and he held on with no problem.
Hamel came in for Mclnerney and almost made an impact in the 69th minute, but his header off a Mapp cross was deflected for a corner. On the ensuing corner, Di Vaio’s header was blocked and cleared.
Toronto came close to going up by three in the 82nd minute off a header from a corner by Hagglund, but Perkins’ touch got some help from the crossbar and the ball stayed out. Toronto continued to press and just a minute later, Gilberto’s shot went just wide.
Romero came close for the Impact in the 86th minute, after Felipe’s header fell right to Romero right outside the box. His one-timer was just wide, prompting many fans to scream in delight because they thought it had gone in. Felipe came close with another chance a minute later that was chipped just over the bar.
The referee blew the whistle to signal the end of the game, putting the Impact and their fans out of their misery. In a game with a lot of hype, the Impact failed to show up and play in front of a disappointed crowd at Stade Saputo. Toronto on the other earned an important win on the road, ending a losing streak and solidifying their position in the race for a playoff spot.
"I don't want to make any excuses for today," said Patrice Bernier. "This was derby game against Toronto. I understand that not everyone understands the rivalry, but we should have been more up for this one. We didn't answer the bell tonight "
"We have to prepare mentally for this Champions League game," added Bernier. "We are in a tough spot and we hope the fans will come out and support us. We need their help to get out of this."
Man of the Match
Andres Romero
It’s hard to say who earned man of the match for the Impact, considering the pathetic effort as a team tonight. Although he did not have an impact on the game, Romero was aggressive on and off the ball and was the only spark to be seen for the Impact. Mapp had a quiet game, but when he did run he created a few opportunities down the right side.
Michael Bradley
Micheal Bradley was absolutely perfect for the Toronto FC. He took control of the middle of the pitch from beginning to the end. He provided the best opportunities for Toronto and calmed the game down when the Impact became aggressive. It was also his beautiful, 60-yard pass that led to the eventual goal by Moore. Definitely man of the match for me.
Dominic Oduro was hell to handle down the right side for the Impact, and he connected well with Bradley to give Moore the second goal of the game. He was constantly a threat and was one of the games best players.
Montreal Impact Line-up
Troy Perkins
Hassoun Camara
Mamadou Danso
Matteo Ferrari
Krzysztof Krol
Justin Mapp
Patrice Bernier
Eric Miller
Andres Romero
Jack Mclnerney
Marco Di Vaio
Impact substitutions
Felipe for Danso, Jackson-Hamel for Mclnerney, Duka for Mapp
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