Impact vs Toronto FC recap: Leading is better than nothing

Taking a 3-0 lead was huge statement sent by the Montreal Impact as Joey Saputo’s team seemed to be cruising towards a crushing win at the Olympic Stadium. But the 60,000+ fans (minus 3000 Toronto FC faithful) would witness a Toronto comeback.

The first half (the first 60 minutes actually) was a display of utter Impact dominance on the scoring sheet and in the department of intensity.

Goals from Oduro, Mancosu and Oyongo seemed to be enough to finish off the game. Toronto seemed lost and confused after the first 2 goals but oddly enough, no panic was felt among the ranks of the Reds.

As if Oyongo's goal at the 53rd minute woke up Greg Vanney's squad. The answer was swift and quick. Altidore and Bradley cut the lead to only 1 measly goal.

The momentum was shifting, the balance of power going running away from the Metropolitan highway/40 west (the Quebec 401 per say) and finding a new home at the 401.

A few more scoring chances were created on each side. But if the Montreal's starting XI won the battle for the first 60 minutes, reinforcements from the bench for TFC gave the advantage to the visitors.

The return leg at BMO field, next Wednesday on November 30th, will be that more exciting.

LINEUPS

MTL – GK-Evan Bush; D-Hassoun Camara (Donny Toia 81’), Víctor Cabrera, Laurent Ciman, Ambroise Oyongo; M-Dominic Oduro, Hernán Bernardello, Marco Donadel, Patrice Bernier (Johan Venegas 87’), Ignacio Piatti; F-Matteo Mancosu (Didier Drogba 71’)

Subs not used – GK-Eric Kronberg; D-Wandrille Lefèvre; M-Calum Mallace, Harry Shipp

TOR – GK-Clint Irwin; D-Eriq Zavaleta, Drew Moor, Nick Hagglund; M-Steven Beitashour (Mark Bloom 90’ + 2’), Armando Cooper (Will Johnson 57’), Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio (Tosaint Ricketts 57’); F-Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco

Subs not used – GK-Alex Bono; D-Josh Williams; M-Benoît Cheyrou; F-Tsubasa Endoh

GOALS

MTL – Oduro (Bernier) 10’

MTL – Mancosu (Piatti, Oduro) 12’

MTL – Oyongo (Bernier) 53’

TOR – Altidore (Giovinco, Beitashour)

TOR – Bradley (Ricketts, Altidore)