In what has quickly become one of the most heated rivalries in MLS, the first leg of the Voyageurs Cup final kicks off at BMO Field in Toronto between the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC.
For those who are not Canadian or don’t understand what all the fuss is about, this rivalry goes far beyond what you’ll see on the pitch. It’s an ideological, cultural and historical rivalry that transcends sport. So whenever it’s Montreal vs. Toronto in anything at all, you can be sure that there will be plenty of drama to be had.
Having been dismantled by Montreal 6-1 in the second leg of last years semi final, TFC looks to take back the trophy that belonged to them for 4 straight years. But for the Impact, whose league season quickly becoming a waste, you can bet that they won’t simply roll over.
Montreal has only won only 1 of their first 11 matches, and having just barely squeezing by FC Edmonton of NASL in the Amway Canadian Championship semi final, their coach Frank Klopas is on the hot seat as well as many of his players who are just simply not good enough this year. Could this trophy, which would be their 2nd straight, be the boost they need to turn their season around?
Not if TFC has anything to say about it.
The Reds have significantly improved in regards to league points, and are just 2 wins away from equaling their win total from last season…all while playing some pretty underwhelming soccer. But no matter how poor both teams may be playing, both always rise to the occasion when pitted against each other.
TFC will be without their General, who is away with the US National team and the status of Jonathan Osorio and Jackson is also questionable. However, the exceptional play of young Daniel Lovitz will surely get him some additional playing time. Also deserving of minutes with the starting team is Nick Hagglund who has become a consistent, steady and overall excellent young central defender. Some may even favour him over Doneil Henry, who just hasn’t been able to get back on the right track as of late.
The recent trade between Toronto and Montreal that swapped Collen Warner and Issey Nakajima Farran will render both players cap tied for this final…which is a shame, because it would’ve been amazing to see them try to prove a point to their old clubs.
With the match set up and both teams ready to field their best, this Canadian Championship match should be an instant classic.
But to add to this, here’s a couple of thoughts:
1. What’s up with Gilberto? – The Brazilian DP has been far from dazzling in his first third of a season in MLS. Having not registered a goal on North American soil, some are beginning to wonder if the Tim’s got this one wrong. It still remains to be seen since the season is still young, but a goal here for him could do wonders for his self confidence to carry it back into league play.
2. Is Ryan Nelsen the right guy? – With only a handful of matches left before their World Cup break, I among many others I’m sure, have grown tired of watching TFC play a tactic less style of hoofball soccer. Maybe I’m in the wrong for feeling this way even though it has yielded some results, but is being entertained while watching a soccer game too much to ask for? This question goes beyond just simple entertainment, and one has to start wondering if the lack of tactics and consistent playing style is testament to a coach who isn’t quite up to the task of handling a team with some pretty high calibre talent. At this rate, I highly doubt he would get fired, but a few slip ups could prove costly. Time will tell.
Watch it live on Sportsnet One at 7:30pm on May 28th.
Come on you Reds!
(image courtesy of The Canadian Press/Chris Young)
