The Montreal Impact fell to Toronto FC 3-1 on Wednesday night, at BMO Field, after all three of the Reds’ Designated Players found the back of the net.
“We were not sharp with the ball at all tonight,” said head coach Frank Klopas. “When we had the ball we gave it up too easily and we were too stretched, which made it easy for them. We had some good moments, but didn’t make the plays.”
"They have players that of you give them time and space they are going to hurt you," said Patrice Bernier. "The second half we chased the game too much and they found opportunities to ut the game away. We have to be better next game."
Ignacio Piatti got the ball rolling when he dribbled past a sliding defender down the left flank in the 19th minute, before playing a cross that deflected high before Ambroise Oyongo one-timed volley from outside the box beat Chris Konopka low to his left for the Cameroonian’s first MLS goal.
Less than 10 minutes later, Giovinco used a slight back heel to cut back and beat his defender outside the part of the 18 yard box and played a short pass back to a charging Michael Bradley to set up the equalizer. The American international made no mistake with his first time placement in the bottom right corner.
TFC then took the lead in the 56th minute when Bradley sent a long ball to Jozy Altidore, who used one touch to bring the ball down and another to fire a low one from outside the box that beat Bush far side.
“They were on top of their game,” explained Evan Bush. “They kept pressing and pressing and we didn’t create enough chances. We gave away too many balls and we were exposed too many times.”
The Reds went up for good in the 82nd minute when Giovinco converted a PK after he was taken down in the box with a sliding tackle.
Highlights
Although TFC had much of the possession in the first half, it was IMFC who came closest to scoring a second when Donny Toia played a cross into the box for Jack McInerney far post, but the striker was just a step behind and couldn’t get his deflection on goal.
Dominic Oduro’s substitute appearance in the game’s final 15 minutes saw him create two chances, one a header from the top of the box and the other from in close on a give and go with Dilly Duka as his side tried to push for another goal.
Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush was busy in this one, making five saves, including two off of Giovinco in the first half from in close.
Impact midfielder Patrice Bernier made his 94th appearance with the Impact in MLS when he came on as a second half substitute, becoming the team’s all-time leader.
The second of two consecutive road games just four days apart is set for 7pm on Saturday at PPL Park, against the Philadelphia Union (TVA Sports, 98.FM, TSN Radio 690).
LINEUPS
MTL – GK-Evan Bush; D-Ambroise Oyongo, Laurent Ciman, Bakary Soumare, Donny Toia; M-Nigel Reo-Coker, Marco Donadel, Maxim Tissot (Dilly Duka 57’), Ignacio Piatti (Patrice Bernier 77’), Andrés Romero (Dominic Oduro 68’); F-Jack McInerney
Subs not used: GK-Eric Kronberg; D-Victor Cabrera, Wandrille Lefèvre; M- Calum Mallace
TOR – GK-Chris Konopka; D-Warren Creavalle, Damien Perquis, Eriq Zavaleta, Justin Morrow; M-Collen Warner, Marco Delgado (Jay Chapman 78’), Michael Bradley, Jonathan Osorio; F-Sebastian Giovinco (Jackson 88’), Jozy Altidore (Robbie Findley 66’)
Subs not used: GK-Joe Bendik; D-Nick Hagglund; M-Daniel Lovitz; F-Luke Moore
GOALS
MTL – Oyongo 19’
TOR – Bradley (Giovinco) 27’
TOR – Altidore (Bradley) 56’
TOR – Giovinco (PK) 82’
CAUTIONS
MTL – Soumare 20’
MTL – Ciman 70’
