Rivalry Week is back! Here are the Benjamin Moore three keys to the match as the Reds head to Montreal to take on the Impact.
Keep it Cool

There’s no love lost when these two sides get together.

As arguably the fiercest rivalry in MLS, tensions are always high when Toronto and Montreal take to the pitch. That often manifest itself in the form of dicey challenges and extra circulars on the pitch.

In their last matchup, a thrilling 2-1 win for the Reds in the Canadian Championship, Steven Beitashour was the recipient of a brutal challenge that left him hospitalized, while Impact captain Patrice Bernier was sent off in the late stages. While it may be easy to get sucked in to the heat of the moment, the Reds will need to keep their cool and let their play do the talking.

Press High

Whether playing the 3-5-2 or the 4-4-2 diamond, Toronto have had their most success when pressing teams high up the pitch.

Forcing turnovers in dangerous positions allows the likes of Victor Vazquez and Sebastian Giovinco to be at their most effective, leaving defences scrambling. The Reds will look for more the same on Sunday afternoon, forcing the Impact to play out of the back as opposed to letting their midfielders pick out passes to dangerous attackers like Ignacio Piatti, Dominic Oduro and Matteo Mancosu.

Spoil the Piatti Party

As is always the case when the Impact are involved, all roads lead through Piatti.

The Argentine continues to be one of the most dangerous attacking talents in the league and is enjoying yet another stellar campaign with 14 goals and four assists to his name. The Quebec club is on a tear thanks in large part to his contributions, as the Impact are in the midst of a four-game winning streak.

Operating on the left wing, there’s no easy way to slow him down. It will take a defence-by-committee effort on the right side, whether it’s Nicolas Hasler or Beitashour, as well as Eriq Zavaleta along the backline.