Toronto FC vs Montreal Impact Highlights
After a delay to the start for what was described as field maintenance (penalty box painted to narrow), the 401 derby finally began. The first leg of the Eastern Conference Finals didn’t fail to impress either at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal.
Twitter: Not something you see every day – match delayed because penalty box was painted too narrow. #MTLVTOR https://t.co/tbY8158zob (@ESPNFC)
The home side started off strong utilizing their typical defend and counter approach. It took just 10 minutes for Montreal to go up 1-0 with Dominic Oduro applying the finish.
Twitter: WATCH: Montreal’s opener from Dominic Oduro. That pass from Patrice Bernier, though (via @MLS) https://t.co/J5Q8saPldW #MTLvTOR (@si_soccer)
Two minutes later Montreal was up by two and looked well on their way to a decisive victory. Oduro and Ignacio Piatti had the assists on this one as it was rising playoff star Matteo Mancosu who put his club up two nil.
Just after halftime Montreal midfielder, Ambroise Oyungo made it 3-0 for the Impact scoring from just outside the 18. It was exactly what Montreal needed as the easiest way to MLS Cup for them was a massive victory at home. Three goals to nil would have been difficult to overcome for Toronto FC, who would’ve needed four goals and a clean sheet in leg two to advance.
USMNT players Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley had other plans, however. In the 68th minute, Toronto FC had a shot go off the post but Sebastian Giovinco and Altidore were there to pick up the rebound.
Twitter: First try: Post.
Second try:#MTLvTOR https://t.co/q76BDPo5vn (@MLS)
Five minutes later Bradley slotted one home to make it 3-2. Altidore probably got away with a foul on the play, but nonetheless, Toronto FC was back in the match.
Twitter: The captain steps up with a MASSIVE away goal for @torontofc #MTLvTOR https://t.co/UBiLzNvOSI (@MLS)
After 60 minutes of brilliant play from Montreal, they let Toronto FC back into the match and the goal differential is just one for Montreal now. A simple 1-0 victory for Toronto FC at home next week would be enough to see them through to the final. Montreal has played spoiler to good teams in D.C. United and the New York Red Bulls this postseason, however, I’m sticking with my pre-game pick Toronto to make it through.