2020 MLS is Back Tournament – Group C, Matchday 8
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
Thurs., July 16 – 8:00 PM ET
TV: FS1, TUDN in US, TVA Sports; TSN in Canada
STREAMING: FOX Sports App, TUDN App in US; TVA Sports App, TSN App in Canada
Rivalry implications are on the line when Canadian foes Toronto FC and the Montreal Impact meet in Group C play of the MLS is Back Tournament on July 15.
Both teams will be looking to rebound from disappointing results in their tournament openers in a Canadian Classique showdown that could go a long way toward determining who advances out of Group C.
Thierry Henry was sharp in his criticism of his squad following a 1-0 defeat to the New England Revolution. Gustavo Bou scored the lone goal in the 56th minute, but the fact New England won 56 duels and Montreal had only 37, while putting two shots on frame all game ruffled the first-year coach's feathers. He questioned the fight and effort and both should be on full display against archrival Toronto.
Toronto FC jumped on D.C. United from the opening kickoff and had a two-goal halftime lead thanks to an Ayo Akinola brace. They also had a man advantage for the entire second half following Junior Moreno's second bookable offense. But the Reds squandered the lead and conceded twice late, including Frederic Brilliant's stoppage-time equalizer and were forced to share the points.
Toronto FC won both regular season matches between the sides last year, first taking a 2-0 win at Stade Saputo on July 13, 2019 before getting a 2-1 home win at BMO Field on August 24. Montreal would get the last laugh in Canadian Championship play, however, prevailing in the two-legged series in penalty kicks after the aggregate score finished at 1-1.
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Steeven Saba (M) - foot injury
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
- Updated team roster
- Injury Report:
- OUT: Achara (M) - ACL surgery
- OUT: Jonathan Osorio (M) - quad strain
- QUESTIONABLE: Justin Morrow (D) - Achilles tendinitis
- Suspended: None
- Suspended after next caution: None
- International duty: None
Series Matchup
- Impact: 7 wins, 26 goals
- Toronto FC: 11 wins, 36 goals
- 4 draws
Officials
- Referee: Jair Marrufo
- Assistant Referees: Corey Rockwell, Michael Barwegen
- 4th Official: David Gantar
- VAR: Drew Fischer
