Major League Soccer doesn’t realize how good it has it with Toronto FC and Montreal Impact in an unprecedented all-Canadian Conference Final.
Given the seeming favoritism toward the New York clubs with MVP nominee snubs to Sebastian Giovinco and Ignacio Piatti and questionable lack of disciplinary action against New York City FC’s David Villa, the Canadian clubs left no doubt as to who the two best players in the league and two best teams in the East are. And that’s what matters most.
From a footballing perspective, MLS has a winner on its hands with an unexpected renewal of the “401 Derby.”
On top of the historic rivalry between the cities, TFC–Impact matches have been getting more and more significant as the teams improve. Both clubs are in uncharted waters in their first conference final.
Toronto and Montreal are peaking at the right time. The good form comes from healthy squads, consistency in the starting lineup, belief in a system, and confidence to execute.
Impact as Underdog
Montreal thrives in the underdog role. Tactically, they’ve learned to absorb pressure and counter clinically. That’s how they beat TFC in August after going down a man and they’ve continued to achieve success this way in the playoffs.
Piatti is a tireless worker with exquisite technique. He is a nightmare to defend one-on-one. He is Montreal’s Giovinco.
