MLS – 2019: Montreal Impact vs Toronto FC – tactical analysis

With both teams desperate for a win, the stakes in this MLS 401 Derby between Montreal Impact and Toronto FC couldnt have been higher. Montreal were searching for their first win in four games, while Toronto had only managed to find one win in their previous 12.

The first half of the game was very slow, with both teams staying compact defensively and failing to utilize the wide areas during their attacks. The game finished Montreal Impact 0  2 Toronto FC, with Alejandro Pozuelo and Jozy Altidore scoring for the Reds. We will explore the tactics that won this game in this MLS tactical analysis.

Lineups

With international competitions coming to an end, Greg Vanney had full access to his three designated players. Jozy Altidore, Michael Bradley, and Alejandro Pozuelo all started the match. Altidores return to the team allowed Pozuelo to return solely to a playmaker position in this game.

Montreal Impacts head coach, Rémi Garde, reverted to a back four in this match. In recent games the French manager had set up his team with three at the back, utilising Bacary Sagna and Jukka Raitala as wingbacks. Gardes formation change was likely due to his tendency to pick his strongest eleven players rather than tactics.

Toronto FCs high press

There werent many goal scoring chances in the first half for either team, but Toronto FC looked most convincing on the counter-attack. On many occasions, Toronto FC pressed Montreal Impact high up the field, forcing a turnover.

Toronto FC dispossessed Montreal 10 times during the match, specifically, seven times in Montreals own half. They also turned the ball over nine times during the match, six times in their own half. That means, of the 19 times Montreal Impact lost possession, they did so in their own half 13 times. For added context, Toronto FC lost possession 19 times as well, but only did so in their own half six times.

Toronto FCs best chances in the first half