MLS Canadian Roundup: Best of Week 25
Week 25 came and went. And what a week it was for the three Canadian MLS clubs. Toronto FC annihilated Orlando City SC, the Vancouver Whitecaps bounced back to their winning ways after defeating FC Dallas and, despite losing, the Montreal Impact welcomed a legend onto the pitch.
More from CF Montreal
- MLS Terminates Contract of Matko Miljevic with CF Montréal: Reflections on Conduct and Responsibility
- CF Montreal 0-0 Chicago Fire: Does anyone win?
- CF Montréal vs Chicago Fire match preview – Last chance saloon
- Grade the Trade: Rudy Camacho’s move to Columbus
- Montreal signs defender Fernando Álvarez from Pachuca
Here is a closer look at the scores and the best moments from those matches.
Toronto FC 5-0 Orlando City SC
Yes, that is the correct score. Toronto FC scored five times. On top of that, all five goals came in the second half at BMO Field on Saturday afternoon.
Things took a wrong turn for Orlando City after defender Rafael Ramos was given a red card in the 36th minute for a dangerous sliding challenge. Then Orlando City midfielder Adrian Winter received a red in the 82nd minute after accumulating two yellow cards.
Playing with an advantage, Toronto started scoring in waves. The nicest of all five goals came from none other than Toronto FC superstar Sebastian Giovinco in the 57th minute off a free kick.
Now that is some brilliance on a dead ball!
On another note, Orlando City striker and Canadian rookie Cyle Larin had an opportunity to set an MLS record on home soil for most goals from a rookie forward. However, he was unable to score or do much damage against a determined Toronto FC side on Saturday.
For a more in-depth look at this game from MLS Multiplex, click here.
Toronto FC play host to the Montreal Impact next on Saturday at BMO Field.
Vancouver Whitecaps FC 1-0 FC Dallas
The Vancouver Whitecaps got right back into the win column and remain just one point back (with a game in hand) of the first-place Los Angeles Galaxy after defeating FC Dallas 1-0 on Saturday night. The Whitecaps played avengers in this one, as they sought revenge against the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last season.
Vancouver’s goal was quite memorable. Whitecaps midfielder Kekuta Manneh went for a brilliant run with the ball before dishing it off to fellow midfielder Cristian Techera, who finished off the ambitious play by squeaking the ball into the net with a nice back-heel kick.
That goal in the 32nd minute proved to be enough for the ‘Caps to claim victory and stay close to the top spot in the conference.
The Vancouver Whitecaps host the Montreal Impact at BC Place in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship on Wednesday before visiting the Houston Dynamo on Saturday.
Montreal Impact 0-1 Philadelphia Union
In late July, the Montreal Impact acquired greatness as Chelsea FC legend and Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba joined the Bleu-blanc-noir. Since then, fans of the Impact and Drogba anxiously waited for Drogba to make his debut.
Well, the time finally arrived on Saturday night as Drogba was subbed into the match in the 59th minute to a roaring crowd at Saputo Stadium in Montreal.
While Drogba was unable to find the back of the net, his presence was felt all over the pitch as he left his mark on the contest. It was the 37-year-old striker’s first real feel of MLS play. He fared well and looked dangerous throughout the contest, almost scoring on numerous occasions.
For a more in-depth look at this game from MLS Multiplex, click here.
The Montreal Impact visit BC Place for the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship on Wednesday before heading to BMO Field to take on Toronto FC on Saturday.