Montreal Impact, Toronto FC Thriller a Blessing for Soccer in Canada

A sold out Olympic Stadium crowd of 61,004 witnessed arguably the most important soccer match in Canadian history as the Montreal Impact hung on for a riveting 3–2 win over Toronto FC.
Montreal Impact, Toronto FC Thriller a Blessing for Soccer in Canada
Toronto FC's Michael Bradley celebrates after scoring his side’s second goal against the Montreal Impact in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference final in front of 61,004 fans at the Olympic Stadium in Montreal on Nov. 22, 2016. The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes
Rahul Vaidyanath
Updated:

MONTREAL—A sold out Olympic Stadium crowd of 61,004 witnessed arguably the most important soccer match in Canadian history as the Montreal Impact hung on for a riveting 3–2 win over Toronto FC on Tues., Nov. 22. 

It was a match that had all the elements of a classic: two archrival clubs in unprecedented territory, battling to be the first Canadian team to reach MLS Cup; goals, tactical changes, momentum swings, the league’s best players—and a chance to watch paint dry.

Yes, the match was delayed nearly 40 minutes as the lines of the 18-yard boxes were initially painted too narrowly. 

While the delay seemed to affect TFC more, the energy of the crowd gave Montreal a boost and the home side took a 2–0 lead after just 12 minutes. TFC was in dire straights when Ambroise Oyongo made it 3–0 early in the second half.

But a tactical change that subbed on two Canadians—Will Johnson and Tosaint Ricketts—brought out Toronto’s fighting spirit and the Reds clawed back two valuable away goals.

Montreal Impact's Ambroise Oyongo (L) celebrates with Dominic Oduro after scoring against Toronto FC in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference final at Olympic Stadium in Montreal on Nov. 22, 2016. (The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes)
Montreal Impact's Ambroise Oyongo (L) celebrates with Dominic Oduro after scoring against Toronto FC in the first leg of the MLS Eastern Conference final at Olympic Stadium in Montreal on Nov. 22, 2016. The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes
Rahul Vaidyanath
Rahul Vaidyanath
Journalist
Rahul Vaidyanath is a journalist with The Epoch Times in Ottawa. His areas of expertise include the economy, financial markets, China, and national defence and security. He has worked for the Bank of Canada, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., and investment banks in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles.
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