Sebastian Giovinco and Toronto FC came out comfortably on top in their first meeting with the Didier Drogba-led Montreal Impact thanks to two goals from the reigning MVP.
Giovinco netted a penalty kick late in the first half after Jozy Altidore was brought down by Victor Cabrera, then iced the game in the 81st minute with a placed finish.
Montreal – with Drogba making his first start of 2016 – were held in check by a disciplined Toronto defense to the tune of two weak shots on target.
Box Score
- 40’ – TOR – Sebastian Giovinco (penalty kick)
- 81' – TOR – Sebastian Giovinco (Will Johnson)
- Full box score
- Stats
- Highlights
Three Things
- IN FORMATION: Greg Vanney put TFC out in a 4-4-2 diamond formation this time around, after spending much of the season in 4-3-3 and 4-4-1-1 looks. The tactical tweak worked like a charm as Toronto were able to keep a strong defensive shape and neutralize Montreal’s fearsome stable of attackers. It also provided an interesting role for Jonathan Osorio, who had a few bright moments sitting underneath the forward pairing of Giovinco and Altidore.
- A TORONTO LEGEND: Giovinco’s two goals not only gave TFC a win over their biggest rivals, they further cemented his name in the Reds’ history books. He now sits tied with Dwayne De Rosario atop the team’s all-time scoring charts with 28 goals. Consider this, though – De Rosario hit that number in 76 appearances; it took Giovinco only 40.
- DROGBA’S DISAPPOINTMENT: With the return of warm weather heralding a move back to Stade Saputo for the Impact, fans in Montreal got their first glimpse of star man Didier Drogba in 2016. It proved to be a forgettable evening for the Ivorian legend, who was blanketed and largely deprived of service by a Toronto backline marshaled by Drew Moor and Damien Perquis. He did manage to squeeze off six shots, but only one – a soft header from a corner – hit the target.
Next Up
- MTL: Wednesday at NYCFC (4 pm ET, MLS Live)
- TOR: Sunday 5/1 at Portland (3:30 pm ET, ESPN)
