In the 28th regular-season edition of the Canadian Classique, Samuel Piette’s second-ever goal for CF Montréal helped propel Wilfried Nancy’s side over 10-man Toronto FC 3-1 at Stade Saputo on Friday evening.
The victory was CF Montréal’s second triumph in as many games against Toronto this season, indicative of how both teams’ campaigns have gone so far this year. CF Montréal picked up a valuable three points in their pursuit of a playoff spot, while Toronto — bottom of the league table – saw their winless streak reach seven games (four straight losses).
Toronto found themselves at a disadvantage following an early red card to Noble Okello, which put the visitors down to 10 men with more than 85 minutes to play. And with Montréal in the midst of a playoff battle in the Eastern Conference, desperate and eager, the club capitalized on their advantage midway through the first half.
A free kick from Djordje Mihailovic in the 23rd minute forced a diving save out of Quentin Westberg and a rebound that was quickly pounced on by an oncoming Piette for his first goal of the season, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
Despite playing with a man down, Toronto actually drew level in the 58th minute through Ifunanyachi Achara. Yeferson Soteldo kept possession against two Montréal defenders before cutting it back for Achara, and the 2020 MLS SuperDraft pick tapped home to score his first goal of the season.
The game wouldn’t stay tied for long, however. A low cross down the right-hand side from Zachary Brault-Guillard into the middle found Joaquín Torres' feet. The 24-year-old Argentine finished beautifully first-time to put CF Montréal back in front 2-1 in the 68th minute.
Seven minutes later, Montréal put this one to bed. Romell Quioto, who returned to MLS action for the first time since July 7, was put through via an eloquent through ball from Mihailovic before opening up and tidily slotting home past Westberg, giving Montréal a 3-1 lead and sealing victory for the home side.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Led by head coach Wilfred Nancy, CF Montréal continue to prove their worth by picking up a valuable three points. They're in a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, and their victory tonight marks their eighth of the campaign – matching their total from the abbreviated 2020 campaign. Meanwhile, Toronto FC continue to slide. They're now winless in their last seven games and bottom of the overall league table.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Following Video Review, a studs-up challenge from homegrown midfielder Noble Okello on Victor Wanyama was deemed worthy of a red card – less than five minutes into the match. That play set the tempo for the remainder of this one.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Although several CF Montréal players made their case, Djordje Mihailovic was the most impressive. He recorded two assists and took the free kick that led to Piette's opener.
Up Next
- MTL: Saturday, September 11 vs. Nashville SC | 8 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; TVA Sports, TSN in Canada)
- TOR: Saturday, September 11 vs. FC Cincinnati | 8 pm ET (MLS LIVE on ESPN+ in US; TSN in Canada)
