CF Montreal insisted on overcoming last year’s bitter defeat by Toronto FC in the Canadian championship, this time beating their arch-rivals 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the tournament at BMO Field on Tuesday.

In June 2022 it was a disaster for the Bleu Blanc Noir in the semifinals. In their stadium, the Torontonians defeated the guests with a 4-0 victory. The “Reds” then failed in the final against the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Two quick counterattacks led to the guest network after half an hour.

Three CF Montreal players went out to put pressure on Sean Johnson and his defenders. The American keeper blocked Romell Quioto’s first volley, then George Campbell was pushed through when he hit the return. Zachary Brault-Guillard, showing patience, eventually shook the ropes on the second attack.

In the 38th minute, Mathieu Choinière – he again – fed Chinonso Offor perfectly to the edge of the goal. The Quebecer’s mid-high center was taken off his head by the Nigerian forward and the ball went between Johnson’s legs.

Another opponent from Ontario

Toronto, however, would not give up that easily. Just before returning to the dressing room, Lorenzo Insigne flirted with the offside position to thwart Jonathan Sirois at close range. It was the first goal Montreal has scored in the last five meetings.

“We played a very good first half. We could have scored more than two goals tonight, head coach Hernan Losada told a press conference. We played well defensively. We controlled the game well. We knew Toronto would take more risks in the second half, but the block stayed focused. The players gave their all. We’re getting closer and closer and I’m very happy for the players.

“It was a special game,” added Sirois. Growing up in Montreal, I could see that rivalry in the stands, but it’s very different on the field. We knew Toronto had great offensive power, but we did well to limit their chances.

CFM plays Toronto again on Saturday in Major League Soccer (MLS). In the Canadian Championship, the adventure continues in two weeks against Forge FC. Hamilton’s side defeated Atlético Ottawa on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the quarterfinals.

The last time CF Montreal faced Forge, they won 3-0 in the Canadian Championship on May 25, 2022. Remember that the Quebec team lost another Ontario team, the Vaughan Azzurri, in the first round.