In the 28th regular-season edition of the Canadian Classique, Samuel Piette’s second-ever goal for CF Montréal would help propel Wilfried Nancy’s side over Toronto FC 3-1 at Stade Saputo on Friday evening.
The victory was CF Montréal’s second triumph in as many games over Toronto this season, indicative of how both teams’ campaigns have gone so far this year: CF Montréal picking up a valuable three points in their pursuit of a playoff spot with the win, while Toronto FC — bottom of the league table — seeing their winless streak extended to seven games.
Toronto FC found themselves at a disadvantage following an early red card to Noble Okello,which put the visitors down to 10 men with more than 85 minutes to play. And with Montréal in the midst of a playoff battle in the Eastern Conference, desperate and eager, the club would capitalize on their advantage midway through the first half.
A free kick from Djordje Mihailovic in the 23rd minute forced a diving save out of Quentin Westberg, as well as a rebound, which was quickly pounced on by an oncoming Piette for his first goal of the season, giving the home side a 1-0 lead.
Despite playing with a man down, Toronto FC would actually draw level in the 58th minute through Ifunanyachi Achara. Yeferson Soteldo would keep possession against two Montréal defenders before cutting it back for Achara, and the 2020 MLS SuperDraft pick would tap home and make no mistake to score his first goal of the season.
The game wouldn’t stay tied for very long, however. A great low-cross down the right-hand side from Zachary Brault-Guillard into the middle would find the feet of Joaquín Torres and the 24-year-old Argentinian would finish beautifully first time to put CF Montréal back in front 2-1 in the 68th minute.
Seven minutes later, CF Montréal would put this one to bed, as Romell Quioto — who returned to MLS action for the first time since July 7 — was put through on an eloquent through ball from Mihailovic before opening up and tidily slotting home past Westberg, giving Montréal the 3-1 lead and sealing the victory for the home side in front of the faithful at Stade Saputo.
