2020 MLS Regular Season – Week 11
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC
Stade Saputo – Montreal
September 9 – 8:00 PM ET
TV: TSN 4/5, TVA Sports 2
STREAMING: MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US
More than revenge, Toronto FC are looking to get back into the win column after rare consecutive defeats, including a 1-0 home loss to the Montreal Impact when the Canadian Classique rivals square off for a fourth time this season Wednesday night at Stade Saputo.
The Impact (4W-3L-1D) would love nothing more than win their second straight game and hand their rivals a third straight defeat. Montreal snapped Toronto's 18-match unbeaten streak, one short from tying an MLS record, with a 1-0 victory at BMO Field September 1.
Toronto FC (5W-2L-3D) are coming off a 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place Saturday night. Adding to the intrigue, a spot in the Canadian Championship final, and a shot at the country's lone Concacaf Champions League berth could be determined.
Montreal Impact
Thierry Henry's men return to league play for the first time since handing Toronto FC their first league defeat in 13 months. Rudy Camacho scored a 14th-minute goal, the Reds badly flubbed an equalizing penalty kick and Clement Diop robbed Jozy Altidore as the Impact avenged a 1-0 defeat at Stade Saputo five days earlier.
The Impact are three points behind Toronto in the race toward the CanChamp final, but have a pair of games remaining against the Whtiecaps, while this is TFC's final match toward qualification.
“It’s the attitude. We were brave on the ball and brave off the ball. We said we were going to do that,” Henry said postgame, calling the team’s philosophy on the night "defending going forward."
“We’re in a very good spot," Impact midfielder Samuel Piette said on Tuesday. "We know tomorrow a result for us could put Toronto out of the race as long as we get the job done against Vancouver. We’re in a good position.”
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Steeven Saba (M) - left foot injury
- OUT: Mathieu Choinière (M) - ankle injury
- OUT: Ballou Tabla (M) - adductor injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Toronto FC
Greg Vanney liked what he saw from his squad between the 18-yard boxes Saturday night at BC Place. But in those decisive areas on both ends of the field is where Toronto FC faltered in a 3-2 loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
And now, with their lead in the race for the Canadian Championship final slim, Vanney knows there's only way to treat this latest showdown with their Canadian Classique rivals.
"This is our last game and our last chance to impact this tournament, so for us, It’s a cup final," he said on Tuesday.
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Achara (M) - ACL injury
- OUT: Patrick Mullins (F) - hamstring tightness
- OUT: Michael Bradley (M) - Grade 2 MCL strain
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup at Impact
- Impact: 5 wins, 12 goals
- Toronto FC: 6 wins, 18 goals
- 1 draw
Officials
- Referee: David Gantar
- Assistant Referees: Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho, Philippe Briere
- 4th Official: Fabrizio Stasolla
- VAR: Drew Fischer
