Montreal Impact lose 2-0 to Toronto FC at Stade Saputo

Michael Bradley and co. were too much for a flat and demotivated Montreal Impact squad that did not have enough energy to compete against Toronto FC. Both teams started to play with the intention to score quickly in what was a very open game. With Toronto FC dominating possession with 69% during the first 10 minutes, the Reds were rewarded with an early goal scored by Gilberto.

The Brazilian designated player was gifted a beautiful pass by Dominic Oduro in the box, after the Ghanaian winger received a precise through pass from Bradley.Forced to play the counter-attack at home, the Impact were able to get up the field quickly a few times but Les Bleus were not precise enough in their last pass.

A few minutes before half-time, Patrice Bernier's left-footed shot grazed Bendik's post, one of the Impact's 3 clear scoring chance. Di Vaio and Jackson-Hamel were both denied by the TFC goalkeeper in the second half, keeping his clean sheet alive.

With not enough numbers up front to press against a compact Toronto squad, the midfield was not able to find Jack McInerney and Marco Di Vaio. Klopas' team relied heavily on Romero and Mapp to create something on the wings and dribble their way into a scoring chance.

In the second half,  the Impact brought in Felipe to bring more depth and quality in the midfield but his impact was negligible against a much more organized and talented adversary. As the home team tried to push hard for the tying goal, Toronto sat back and was comfortable enough to counter-attack with speedy wingers.

At the 54th minute, Oduro sprints past Krol on quick break. His attempt on goal is deflected by Camara but the rebound finds Moore for the easy tap-in to give Toronto a 2-0 lead.

Anthony Jackson-Hamel (Impact U23) made his pro debut  since signing his first MLS contract and newcomer Dilly Duka made his first appearance with Montreal.

As Frank Klopas describes his team's performance as flat, he acknowledges that there is little to sulk about the loss as he needs to have his players focus on the next game. The Montreal Impact play its first game in CONCACAF Champions League as it hosts C.D. FAS this Tuesday at Stade Saputo.

Lineups

MTL - GK-Troy Perkins; D-Hassoun Camara, Futty Danso (Felipe 51'), Matteo Ferrari, Krzysztof Krol; M-Patrice Bernier, Eric Miller, Andrés Romero, Justin Mapp (Dilly Duka 74'); F-Jack McInerney (Anthony Jackson-Hamel 65'), Marco Di Vaio

Subs not used: GK-Evan Bush; D-Wandrille Lefèvre; M-Gorka Larrea, Maxim Tissot

TOR - GK-Joseph Bendik; D-Justin Morrow, Nick Hagglund, Doneil Henry, Warren Creavalle; M-Dominic Oduro (Jackson 74'), Jonathan Osorio, Michael Bradley, Collen Warner (Kyle Bekker 84'); F-Luke Moore, Gilberto (Daniel Lovitz 90')

Subs not used: GK-Chris Konopka; D-Ashtone Morgan, Bradley Orr; M-Dwayne De Rosario

Goals

TOR - Gilberto (Oduro, Bradley) 11'
TOR - Moore 54'

Cautions

MTL - Krol 32'
MTL - Ferrari 52'
MTL - Camara 77'