In the final edition of the Canadian Classique of the 2018 season, the Montreal Impact kept their Audi 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs hopes alive, as they defeated Toronto FC 2-0 at Stade Saputo on Sunday.
The win, coupled with results elsewhere, means the Impact stave off elimination for another week, and remain alive for their Decision Day clash next Sunday against New England.
On a blustery day in Montreal, both teams lacked the sharpness from the run of play to bury their chances, and both sides had golden opportunities on goal they could not convert.
Montreal thought they grabbed a lead in the 35th minute, in a goalmouth scramble off a free kick, but a subsequent Video Review indicated Quincy Amarikwa was offside on the build-up to the first shot in the play, and the goal was waived off.
In the final 20 minutes, Ignacio Piatti went to work, first drawing a penalty after substitute Eriq Zavaleta tugged at his jersey in the box that was awarded following a Video Review, then stepping up to convert the penalty and give Montreal a lifeline. He added an insurance goal in the dying minutes after blowing by Alex Bono on a loose ball.
Goals
Three Things
- THE BIG PICTURE: Montreal are still alive! Columbus' late loss helps narrow the deficit to two points, but either way, Montreal will need to win next week to have any hope of reaching the playoffs. Toronto had some good moments, but it admittedly felt like a game in which the stakes were low for them.
- MOMENT OF THE MATCH: Penalty or not? Zavaleta does grab Piatti's jersey, but the wily attacker seems to sell the call that turned the game.
- MAN OF THE MATCH: Sometimes when your season is on the line and you've got nothing doing from the run of play, you need that one call. Piatti earned it and scored the goals to deliver a win for his side.
Next Up
- MTL: Sunday, October 28 at New England Revolution (4:30 pm ET | TVAS, TSN5 - TV & streaming info)
- TOR: Sunday, October 28 vs. Atlanta United FC (4:30 pm ET | TSN4 - TV & streaming info)
