A place in the finals on the line
CF Montréal will continue its title defense in the Canadian Championship when it takes on Toronto FC, this Wednesday at 7pm at BMO Field in the semifinals of the national tournament.
It’s a first matchup this year between the two rival clubs, who will also take each other in MLS on July 16 at Stade Saputo. The last time these two faced off was in the final of the 2021 Canadian Championship, with Montreal lifting the Voyageur’s Cup following a 1-0 victory in front of its home fans.
Montreal reached this year’s semi-finals by comfortably dispatching of Forge FC in the quarterfinals in Montreal, with Sunusi Ibrahim scoring an impressive hat trick to lead his side to a 3-0 win, with Matko Miljevic notching three assists.
Head coach Wilfried Nancy’s men are coming off a difficult loss to Austin FC last weekend in their first game following the international break, losing a tight game 1-0 despite having many opportunities to score themselves.
“Despite the loss, we keep our heads high,” said defender Zachary Brault-Guillard. We need to focus on the upcoming game because we want to play in the final, and then we have also have an important game against Charlotte coming up. We absolutely need to stay focused.”
Our neighbours to the West are also coming off a loss following their return from break, falling 2-0 on the road to the New York Red Bulls. They’ve struggled coming out of the gate this year, and currently sit 12th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Toronto reached the semifinals of the Canadian Championship following a 2-1 win over the Halifax Wanderers.
“It’s a derby, and a semifinal as well,” said head coach Wilfried Nancy. “They’re in a difficult moment right now but they’ll want to give everything they have. And they’ll be at home. They want to progress and play in the final, just like us.”
The other semi-final will also take place tomorrow, with the Vancouver Whitecaps taking on York United FC at BC Place in Vancouver. Montreal, on its end, will try to extend its perfect 4-0-0 record in the Canadian Championship since Wilfried Nancy took charge.
Montreal will be back in MLS action this Saturday at Stade Saputo to host Charlotte FC at 7:30pm. Tickets still available here.
