Toronto FC will look to gain a measure of revenge against CF Montreal this weekend after recently being eliminated from the Canadian Championship by their rival. The matchup is set as Toronto, seeking its third MLS win of the season, heads to Montreal.
In their last fixture, Toronto had established two leads but fell victim to an 88th-minute equalizer by Giacomo Vrioni, leading to a penalty shootout where they missed three attempts. This disappointment lingers as they prepare for another encounter with the Impact.
Historically, matches between the two clubs have been tightly contested. Last season, Toronto claimed victory in both regular-season matchups, winning 1-0 on July 20, 2024, and decisively beating Montreal 5-1 on May 18, 2024. However, the previous season saw Montreal secure two wins over Toronto, indicating the fluctuating dynamics in their rivalry.
Both teams currently occupy the lower end of the Eastern Conference standings. Interestingly, while Toronto FC boasts the second-highest payroll in the league, Montreal sits at the bottom of that list. This financial disparity highlights contrasting expectations, although once the whistle blows, these figures won’t influence the game.
Demand is high for Toronto to secure at least a point in this match as tensions with their supporters have escalated. In a pre-game press conference, head coach Robin Fraser emphasized the intensity of this rivalry, noting that the stakes will add to the match’s atmosphere as both teams strive to find form.
Fraser mentioned that the previous defeat to Montreal provides extra motivation for his side. He remarked, “To have two leads and to end up losing it… sticks in everyone’s craw and it’s just more fuel to the fire,” underlining the significance of this encounter.
On a positive note, Toronto FC welcomes back Henry Wingo, who has been sidelined for several games due to injury. Meanwhile, fellow players Jonathan Osorio and Richie Laryea are close to returning, bolstering Toronto’s chances for the crucial match.
This upcoming clash not only symbolizes a chance for Toronto to reclaim pride but also serves as an opportunity to improve their standing in the league. With the added urgency of recent setbacks, fans can anticipate an electric atmosphere when these two rivals face off.