Major League Soccer’s regular season wraps up on Sunday with all 20 teams in action in 10 games.
But no game is any bigger on a day MLS has dubbed “Decision Day” than the Canadian showdown between the Montreal Impact and Toronto FC at Stade Saputo.
Here’s what you need to know about the most important match in the history of this rivalry.
What’s at stake
Montreal and Toronto have already clinched playoff berths, but there’s still plenty on the line in this game, as both teams can finish anywhere between second and sixth in the Eastern Conference standings.
TFC currently sits fourth in the East with 49 points, one point and one spot above Montreal. The top two clubs receive byes into in the Conference semifinals. The third- and fourth-place sides will have home field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Toronto can finish second and clinch a bye with a victory against Montreal and a draw between D.C. and Columbus. A draw against Montreal would secure them home field advantage in the first round. A loss could drop them down to sixth on the East if New England beats New York City.
A draw would see Montreal finish no higher than fifth, which would mean it would be on the road in the first round. A victory would move them into third and secure home field advantage in the first round.
MORE ON IMPACT vs. TFC: Decision Day showdown: Giovinco vs. Drogba || Listen: Soccer Central podcast previews the big game || TFC coach Vanney: Drogba ‘feud’ is nonsense || Patrice Bernier: ‘Impact fighting for respect in MLS’ || Vanney: ‘TFC finale like a playoff game’
What they’re saying
“Last year we were out of it, and the year before that we were grasping at points and victories to try to make the playoffs, which we did through the back door. Now we walked in through the front door, and our [fate] is in our hands. There’s no better way to settle it than to play TFC at home knowing that both are in but we’re both playing for something.” – Impact midfielder Patrice Bernier
“It’s games like these that are truly meaningful that will bring out the most in the [rivalry]. … Everybody knows what’s at stake and I think the hostility will rise to a different level which is exciting. It’s exciting for the rivalry, it’s exciting for the sport. I know we as a group, and I’m sure them as a group, are looking forward to it. This is what it’s all about. We’ve waited a long time to get into this position.” – Toronto coach Greg Vanney
Drogba vs. Giovinco
Sunday’s game pits two of the league’s best players and biggest stars—Sebastian Giovinco and Didier Drogba—against one another.
Giovinco has enjoyed a sensational debut MLS season for Toronto, and is the clear candidate for the league’s MVP award—he leads MLS in goals (22) and assists (15) in 32 games. Drogba has only made 10 appearances, but he’s made a huge impact, scoring nine goals and adding an assist to help propel Montreal into the playoffs.
Paul Dolan’s take
Every week, Sportsnet.ca chats with Sportsnet soccer commentator Paul Dolan—a former Canadian national team goalkeeper—about the big stories and issues in Major League Soccer.
This week, we asked Paul who he thinks has the advantage going into Sunday’s match?
“I think the home field advantage may be what sways this one in Montreal’s favour but it’s too close to call. It’s entirely possible the results from the East on Sunday mean we see these two teams play in the first round of the playoffs as well which would be incredible so this game could set the tone for what is to come next week,” Dolan said.
“Both teams are riding star forwards who can win a game on their own and you wouldn’t bet on either Didier Drogba or Sebastian Giovinco failing to shine in the most important game of the year. I think it will come down to how the respective defences deal with those players and which team can keep their composure in a game that is sure to have emotions running high.”
All-time series
Toronto leads the MLS series against Montreal, with five wins and three draws in 10 meetings.
However, they’ve each won two games in Montreal. Interesting to note: both Impact home wins came at Olympic Stadium—not at Stade Saputo.
Sunday is the third league meeting between the clubs this season. TFC won the previous two, both at BMO Field.
This will be the first time Didier Drogba faces TFC—he was injured the last time these teams met on Aug. 29 in Toronto, a 2-1 win by the home side.
Last time out
TFC is coming off a 2-0 loss to the Columbus Crew at home last weekend, a result that ended the Reds’ franchise record four-game winning streak.
Montreal has won two in a row, both on the road, including last week’s playoff-clinching victory against New England. The Impact are one of the hottest teams in MLS, having won five of their last seven games, and six of their last 10 with two draws.
The road ahead
The first round of the playoffs is scheduled for Oct. 28 and 29.
The two-legged Conference semifinals will take place on Nov. 1 and 8. The conference finals go Nov. 22 and 29.
The MLS Cup final is scheduled for Dec. 6
Soccer Central podcast: SPORTSNET.CA’s Soccer Central podcast, hosted by John Molinaro and James Sharman, takes an in-depth look at the beautiful game and offers timely and thoughtful analysis on the sport’s biggest issues. To listen and subscribe to the podcast, CLICK HERE.
