Toronto FC, CF Montreal prepare for 'important' derby

Field Level Media|published: Fri 17th May, 17:57 2024

May 15, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Toronto FC forward Lorenzo Insigne (24) kicks the ball against Nashville SC during the second half at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports

When Toronto FC host rival CF Montreal on Saturday, they'll get their head coach and goalkeeper back from suspension.

Coach John Herdman, goalie Sean Johnson and defender Richie Laryea were suspended one match for their roles in a post-match altercation with New York City FC last weekend. They missed Wednesday's 2-0 loss to Nashville SC.

The league on Friday extended Laryea's suspension for an additional match "for violating the Mass Confrontation Policy by inciting and/or escalating a mass confrontation." But Johnson, who has a 4-3-1 record this season, should be back between the pipes.

Toronto (6-6-1, 19 points) has lost two straight matches, and the intensity will be heightened Saturday against a rival on a three-match losing streak.

"It's a very important game for the fans, for the city, for us as players," Toronto forward Lorenzo Insigne told the league website. "We want to give everything on the field and play really well to be able to win the game because it's important. A Clasico is everything."

"There's a lot for (Montreal) to play for and a big opportunity," Herdman added. "So for us, we have got to match that."

CF Montreal (3-6-3, 12 points) fell 3-1 to the Columbus Crew on Wednesday despite Mathieu Choiniere's first-half goal from the penalty spot. In addition to suffering three straight defeats, the club has not won in the league since April 12.

After the trip to Toronto, CF Montreal will prepare for the second leg of a Canadian Championship quarterfinal against Forge FC. They only tied 1-1 in the first leg, meaning everything is on the line.

"We must never hide our faces from the elements that are not acceptable and that we want to continue working on," Montreal coach Laurent Courtois said Friday, per the Montreal Gazette. "But there are positives. We are aware of these two tests. The guys are very motivated for the derby and the Cup match. They can't wait to do battle."

CF Montreal has won their past four MLS meetings with Toronto FC and are 6-0-1 in the last seven matchups.

--Field Level Media