A late equalizer by the Montreal Impact dashed the hopes of the Vancouver Whitecaps for a first ever Canadian Nutrilite Championship, handing the tournament title to Toronto FC.
Unmarked Montreal defender Philippe Billy connected with a scorching volley in the 62nd minute giving the Impact a 1-1 tie.
Five minutes into the second half Vancouver midfielder Ansu Toure connected on a defensive miscue in the Montreal penalty area and had appeared to give Montreal a crucial goal.
But it was not to be, as Toure connected with his equalizer giving group leaders and defending champions Toronto the title with seven points from three matches.
Toronto now advance to play Motagua of Honduras in the preliminary round of CONCACAF’s Champions League tournament with play in the opening phase beginning on July 27.
Humid conditions and threat of a thunderstorm greeted the two teams as they headed out on the field at Saputo Stadium slowing the pace of the opening 45 minutes despite an early push by both sides for an ice-breaker.
Less than 10 minutes into the game, Vancouver pressed for the opener as Toure dribbled into the Montreal penalty area and passed to striker Cornelius Stewart, whose shot was blocked by Djekanovic.
Six minutes later, Montreal midfielder Rocco Placentino had his hard shot pushed to the side of goal by Vancouver keeper Jay Nolly.
Toure also nearly gave Vancouver the winning goal in the 88th minute when he headed a Ricardo Sanchez corner kick just overtop of the Montreal crossbar.
Montreal won the inaugural Nutrilite Canadian Championship while Toronto took last year’s title.
Vancouver travel to BMO Field next Wednesday to play champion Toronto in the final game of the tournament.
The Whitecaps and the Impact both play in the NASL Conference of the USSF D-2, but Vancouver will make the jump to Major League Soccer next season and the Impact were announced as a 2012 expansion franchise.
