Goalless Draw at Stade Saputo
CF Montréal and Toronto FC played to a 0-0 draw at Stade Saputo on Thursday night, marking their return to Major League Soccer action after a break. Despite Montréal’s offensive efforts, they were unable to score against Toronto FC goalkeeper Luka Gavran. Montréal recorded 15 shots compared to Toronto’s 7, with 3 shots on target for Montréal and none for Toronto.
Montréal secured a single point from the match. The home side controlled possession for 55.5 per cent of the game and had a 9-3 advantage in shot attempts during the first half. The match was the 66th iteration of the Canadian Classique, a rivalry game between the two Canadian clubs.
Hennadiy Synchuk was a prominent figure for Montréal throughout the game. He created one of Montréal’s best scoring opportunities in the 66th minute, but his shot from the right side of the box was saved by Gavran. Synchuk also tested Gavran in the first minute with a half-volley and had another chance from a corner kick, dribbling past a defender before his shot was blocked by Alonso Coello.
Team Lineups and Absences
Toronto FC played without captain Jonathan Osorio, who was serving a one-game suspension due to yellow card accumulation. Montréal also had key players absent, with striker Prince Owusu serving a one-game ban. Owusu had scored a hat trick in Montréal’s last match before the break.
Montréal’s lineup was further impacted by lower-body injuries to Wiki Carmona, Bode Hidalgo, and Josh-Duc Nteziryayo. Additionally, Ivan Jaime had departed the team, and Carmona was dealing with a long-term knee injury. Interim head coach Philippe Eullaffroy noted that these absences provided opportunities for other players like Noah Streit, Danny Rios, and Hennadiy Synchuk.
Former Montréal attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic made his first appearance for Toronto since being diagnosed with a pelvic stress fracture in April, entering the game in the 74th minute. However, his substitution did not immediately lead to a Toronto FC rally, as Gavran saved a shot from Daniel Rios three minutes later. Toronto’s Daniel Salloi also had a late chance, missing wide right from outside the box.
Season Context and Upcoming Matches
Montréal’s season began with a challenging 1-7-0 record, leading to the departure of head coach Marco Donaldel and Eullaffroy’s interim appointment. The team has since improved to a 4-8-3 record, moving within four points of a playoff spot before the break. Eullaffroy has been working to implement his methodology and philosophy, stating that the team now reflects 45 per cent of his vision, up from 25 per cent earlier in his tenure.
Toronto FC has not secured a win since April 4, when they defeated Colorado at home, extending their winless streak to 10 games. The match was also notable for Richie Laryea, who played his first game for TFC since representing Canada at the World Cup.
Montréal is also set to participate in the Canadian Championship semifinals after two 2-1 victories over Vancouver FC. They will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the next round. Montréal will visit Nashville SC on Wednesday, while Toronto FC will travel to face the New England Revolution on Wednesday.
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Source: sportsnet.ca
Chloe Tremblay is the Sports Reporter at CasinoNews, covering basketball, tennis and athletics with nine years of reporting experience. She reported on the Raptors' rise and two Olympic cycles. She holds a degree in Journalism from Concordia University. Based in Montreal, she plays recreational basketball and follows track athletics. “The best stories come from the athletes everyone overlooks.”
