Montreal leave their impact on Toronto FC

Toronto FC could have ended Montreal’s playoff hopes while also moving one step closer to claiming the Supporters Shield instead the Impact came into BMO Field and handed Toronto their first home loss this season.

TFC Lineup

Match Recap

Greg Vanney elected to rest both Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore in last weekend’s contest against the LA Galaxy.  In this fixture, Vanney went with the same plan along with not using substitute Victor Vasquez.  Vanney’s plan might have backfired here.

The Impact would strike early in a span of two minutes.  Alex Bono attempted to clear the ball in the 10th minute, but the ball deflected of Montreal forward Ignacio Piatti and into the back of the net.  Marco Donadel quickly added to the lead by scoring an absolute screamer that beat Bono to the top corner.  An early 2-0 for the Impact.

In the 24th minute, forward Anthony Jackson-Hamel assisted Piatti to end a beautiful counter-attack for the Impact.  Already 3-0, and the game was looking done and dusted for TFC.

A lucky goal favored Toronto this time in the 42nd minute.  Jonathan Osorio beat his defender and sent in a cross that deflected off an Impact defender and past Montreal net minder Evan Bush.  The goal would eventually be labeled as an own goal for Impact defender Deian Boldor.

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The own goal didn’t affect Montreal.  Just as the second half started, Steven Beitashour was trying to send a pass back to the backline, but instead sent in Jackson-Hamel who slid it past Bono making 4-1 for the Impact.

On yet another Montreal counter-attack, the ball deflected off the last Toronto defender back and sent in Jackson-Hamel who tucked home his brace.  Great performance for him, not so much for the Reds.

Maybe the one positive TFC fans can seek out of this match is Tosaint Ricketts, who scored a brace within a two-minute span.  The first came from a cross that Ricketts was able to head home.  The second was of similar fashion, as the 30-year-old slid into a pacey cross to bury it for the Reds.

Final: Impact 5 – 3 Toronto FC

To lose at home by the hands of a rival isn’t the best feeling for a TFC fan right now.  Toronto simply didn’t show up in this one, while Montreal brought their full artillery.

If I have to pick a Man of the Match for Toronto, it’d be Jonathan Osorio.  The Toronto native seemed to be more involved at all moments of the match, that is when the Impact were really giving it to TFC.  Ricketts also earned himself a couple of goals, but it was too little, too late.

On the bright side, Toronto are still on pace to break the record for most points in a single MLS season.  Next fixture features the Reds going up against the New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium.  Put this contest behind, and let’s move forward.

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A sense of doubt for Toronto FC moving towards the playoffs?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.