The same two teams that met in the last game of the regular season will meet again in the beginning of the MLS Playoffs. For Toronto FC this means there is a quick chance for redemption, while for Montreal Impact, the opportunity to show some more domination after their 2-1 win this past weekend.
Drogba vs Giovinco
Sebastian Giovinco did not cause that much of a stir when he arrived but he has definitely made it clear that he did not come on vacation. The Italian striker took the league by storm and ended up leading the goal-scoring charts and the assists one as well. 22 goals and 10 assists made him the first player in the history of the league to lead in both departments.
WATCH: Giovinco's 2015 Highlight Reel
On the others side, Drogba arrived almost by the end of the season but was quick to adapt to a new league after playing in Europe for most of his career. In 11 games, Drogba was able to score 11 goals. The last two of them came in their win against Toronto. Drogba's efficiency record was as good as it could be for someone that only played 11 games and is new to the league.
WATCH: Drogba's decides Toronto's faith with two backheel goals
Didier Drogba scores two backheel goals within two minutes for Montreal Impact pic.twitter.com/ICRqePGRfA
— Troll Football (@Troll__Football) October 25, 2015
Offense vs Defense
Toronto FC was the second best offense in the league throughout the regular season. They scored 58 times in 34 games. The team received the same amount of goals throughout the season finishing with a goal difference of 0. Following Giovinco as the top goal-scorer were Jozy Altidore and USMNT team captain Michael Bradley with 13 and five respectively. Only the New York Red Bulls were better than them offensively. However, no team was worse than them defensively.
Montreal Impact ended up being seeded third in the Eastern Conference. They made a great run towards the end of the season once Drogba got incorporated to the team. It really took time for them to build up from the ground up, but they were able to do it. Once Drogba joined, they had a record of seven wins, two draws and two losses. They scored 48 goals throughout the season and conceded 44. Laurent Ciman was considered as one of the best defenders of the league. The 30-year-old Belgian committed 45 fouls in his debut season.
What teams are saying
For Toronto FC, this is a special occasion as it is the first time in franchise history that they are in the MLS Playoffs ater falling short last year in the last game of the regular season. Their players want to continue on this road to the Championship game and they don't care who is in front of them.
"It’s a great city. I have nothing against the city and the people, but when you look at it from a sports aspect once you hear that name you’re going to go out there and battle,” Toronto defender Adrian Serioux said.
"If we make the right plays and we stick together as a team and tactically make the adjustments that we need to make, then we have as good a chance as anyone in this league to win the championship," Greg Vanney, Toronto's manager, claimed.
On the other side, Montreal Impact lost their chance of getting some silverware in the CONCACAF Champions Cup against America. It is the second time they enter the playoffs in franchise history. They want the MLS Cup now but no team from Canada has ever hoisted the trophy at the end of the season.
"You have to rebel when you lose and you have to be happy when you win, and that’s also something that he’s brought,” Ciman said about his manager Mauro Biello, who knows how to get the team fired up.
What fans are saying
Even Toronto's mayor is getting in on the MLS Playoffs fever
Come on you Reds! We're gearing up for @torontofc playoffs by raising TFC flag at City Hall tomorrow @ 3pm. #TFCLive pic.twitter.com/86Y2UHuayz
— John Tory (@JohnTory) October 27, 2015
I know we're all upset about the Blue Jays but we all need to show @torontofc some support first time they ever made the playoffs in history
— adianfromthe666 (@adianGATT) October 26, 2015
All 3 Canada Soccer teams in the MLS playoffs: 1. Whitecaps 53pts (West-2nd) 2. Impact 51pts (East-3rd) 3. Toronto FC 49pts (East-6th)
— Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) October 26, 2015
Sorry @torontofc fans, Teams don't have a great track record in the playoffs after Mayor John Tory raises their flag at City Hall #TOpoli
— Don Peat (@reporterdonpeat) October 27, 2015
So it appears that @MLS may prevent an organized trip by @torontofc fans to playoff game because of smoke bombs being lit Sunday.
— Duane Rollins (@24thminute) October 26, 2015
no team has a good "away record" even LA .. so the fact TFC hasnt won since June 5th on the road means zero..Thursdays game will not be easy
— Loredana Panza (@Lopa22) October 27, 2015
Injury Report
There are a few men from both teams who won't be able to participate in this game.
Cameron Porter, Kenny Cooper and Andres Romero are recovering from major surgeries, while Justin Mapp and Kyle Bekker are out with minor injuries.
For Toronto FC Mark Bloom has been out for the whole season. Clement Simonin underwent meniscus surgery while Damien Perquis and Daniel Lovitz have a hamstring injury and a foot injury respectively. No team has players suspended for this game.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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