Oct 14, 2016
Much on the line in latest chapter of Impact-TFC rivalry
For all that defines the very differing seasons for the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC, it’s hard to imagine that with just two games left in the regular season there remains the slight possibility both clubs end the season with identical records. TSN soccer analyst Noel Butler has more.
By Noel Butler
For all that defines the very differing seasons for the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC, it’s hard to imagine that with just two games left in the regular season there remains the slight possibility both clubs end the season with identical records. (The Impact need to win both matches, TFC record a loss and a tie)
Now consider that at the beginning of the month the conversation around the water cooler in Toronto included mention of capturing the Supporters’ Shield as the team with the best regular-season record in Major League Soccer. In Montreal, worries were increasing over the Impact’s chances at even making the playoffs. There, in a nutshell, is parity as prescribed by MLS.
Another element the league craves, and one that immediately provides it with credibility across the soccer world, is rivalry between clubs. MLS even dedicates weekends to its most heated matchups. But the league is far younger than the age of their average season-ticket holder. Since rivalries in soccer, like in any sport, are built, nourished and handed down from generation to generation, it will take more time for truly storied rivalries to develop.
There is potential for one in the Pacific Northwest, where the passion and atmosphere at matches between the Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers makes you believe it could be a future El Clásico-type rivalry. TFC and the Impact could get there too.
No public relations department or creative agency is required to pitch elaborate storylines to the growing Montreal and Toronto fan bases. With each passing MLS season these supporters are sowing deeper roots and emotional connections to their favoured club.
TFC head coach Greg Vanney has no doubts about the growing rivalry between his club and the Impact.
“I do think, in recent MLS history, last season was a big step because of the magnitude of the games,” Vanney told TSN 690. “The knock-out game — the magnitude of that game it bought the rivalry up a little bit of a notch. I think it was the first time in an MLS game where the two teams played in what is ultimately a meaningful game.
“Each of us has won on the opposition’s turf this year, which is a statement. I think here we are now at the end of the year and the game coming up this weekend is going to have ramifications for the playoffs.”
The most recent encounter between the clubs back in late August had all the ingredients of any derby match, be it played anywhere in Europe or South America. It was a feisty encounter, with intense player banter, a highly disputable sending off, a wonder goal settling it and, against all odds, the underdog coming away with all three points.
After the match, Impact head coach Mauro Biello reflected on what had unfolded that late summer Saturday evening at BMO Field.
“Even after the sending off, the players wanted to win this even more,” he said. “With how we came back and fought even harder, down a man, to get that goal and close the game off after three games this week, this was our greatest win this season.”
That was late August. If the Impact prevail on Sunday and other games go in their favour Biello’s team could confirm a position in the standings that would give them a home date in the knockout round of the playoffs.
A defeat presents the prospect of going to New England the final weekend of the regular season, where a second straight defeat could end the Impact’s season there and then. Those are the margins, and that’s what is at stake at Saputo Stadium Sunday afternoon in front of yet another capacity crowd.
At least one Toronto-born global megastar, who performed to a sold out Bell Centre crowd last weekend, will be following along.
“I had the chance to go to the show of Drake here in Montreal last weekend and I was lucky to meet him and talk about soccer a little bit,” the Impact’s Hassoun Camara told TSN 690 earlier this week. “I can tell you he feels this rivalry too. I told him we were going to win against his city and he replied he is going to wish a win for his city too.”
The Impact and TFC rivalry might be a long way from a Manchester United and Liverpool encounter – the two mammoth Premier League rivals did the unprecedented this week, issuing a joint statement appealing to their supporters for calm ahead of Monday evening’s match at Anfield – but both of these Canadian soccer clubs possess some of the most passionate supporter bases across the MLS, with a growing culture of travelling to road games.
I firmly suggest those of you fortunate enough to have a ticket Sunday afternoon arrive early. Impact supporter group 1642 MTL will be unveiling from their section behind the east stand goal a tifo display that extends down from the Stade Saputo rafters. Plus, do stay late. There is far more than a mere three points at stake.
Montreal Impact vs. Toronto FC live on TSN690 Sunday – Kick Off 3 p.m. ET (Pre-Game 2 p.m.)