MONTREAL – The Montreal Impact could clinch an MLS Cup Playoffs spot, this Sunday at 3pm, when it takes on rivals Toronto FC in its last home game of the regular season (RDS [pregame show at 2:30pm], TSN, ESPN, 98,5fm & TSN Radio 690 [pregame show at 2pm]).
The Bleu-blanc-noir announced on Tuesday that this game presented by KIA will be played to a sellout crowd of 20,801 spectators – a 10th sellout this season in MLS and a club record. This game was initially scheduled for 5pm, but all tickets with the original time for this game will be valid at all Stade Saputo entrances on October 16, starting at 1:30pm.
“For us, this is a final, a decisive game,” said Impact head coach Mauro Biello. “We can carry on our good run, increase our confidence at home and clinch a playoff spot. This is a rivalry game, and we have to manage all moments in the match really well and be ready for all situations.”
The Impact advises supporters to get to Stade Saputo early and to use public transit. Pie-IX Blvd. will be partially closed in the northbound direction, from Pierre-de-Coubertin Ave. to Mont-Royal Ave., preventing vehicles from turning right on Sherbrooke East St. Traffic disruptions are also scheduled on Pierre-de-Coubertin Ave., between Viau St. and Pie-IX Blvd., until the end of the season.
Reaching Stade Saputo via Hochelaga St. in the westbound direction may also be complicated due to roadwork. The Impact recommends avoiding this section of Hochelaga St., driving north on L’Assomption Blvd., west on Sherbrooke St. and south on Viau St.
Please also take note of the full implementation of new security measures upon entering the stadium. All bags larger than 35 cm x 35 cm x 15 cm are prohibited. The full rules and regulations can be viewed on impactmontreal.com.
MLS Cup Playoffs within reach for Impact
The fourth-placed team in the Eastern Conference, the Bleu-blanc-noir could clinch a third MLS Cup Playoffs spot in five years on Sunday. Regardless of results elsewhere in MLS, the Impact only needs two points to ensure that it will be part of the postseason dance.
In its most recent playoff run, in 2015, the Impact defeated the Reds by a 3-0 scoreline in Toronto’s only postseason game thus far. Patrice Bernier, Nacho Piatti and Didier Drogba scored the Montreal goals that night.
“Everyone’s ready to play this huge game on Sunday,” said Nacho Piatti. “We have to win at home to clinch a playoff spot and approach the following game more serenely. This is a derby, and we’re looking to close out the season in the best possible way.”
The Impact will host TFC with momentum on its side, as two wins in its last two games has handed Montreal the initiative in the race to host a Knockout Round game. The third and fourth seeds in each conference will respectively take on the sixth and fifth seeds at home in a single elimination game.
In its last game, on October 2, the Bleu-blanc-noir defeated Orlando City SC in Florida, 1-0. Dominic Oduro scored the only goal, his second in two straight games.
Giovinco to return?
Since Toronto FC lost at home to the Impact on August 27, it has posted a 1-1-3 record, a run that coincides with an injury to Sebastian Giovinco. The Italian injured his quad against Montreal, but TFC should have its top goalscorer and assist provider available for selection for this rivalry game.
The Impact’s record, in 24 games against TFC in all competitions, stands at eight wins, ten losses and six draws. At home, however, the Bleu-blanc-noir has won seven games, losing three and tying two.
“You don’t play a derby; you win a derby,” said Laurent Ciman. “This is an important game for everyone here. We beat them at their place, so they’ll be thirsty for revenge. It’s up to us to be ready from the get-go and to pay attention to the details.”
While the Reds will welcome Giovinco back into the fold, they will be without midfielder Will Johnson, out with an MCL injury. Defender Ashtone Morgan has also been ruled out of the game due to a foot fracture.
Following game
The Impact will finish its regular season on Sunday, October 23, at 4pm in Massachusetts against the New England Revolution. Impact supporters can also visit impactmontreal.com for all details on MLS Cup Playoffs tickets.
