November 28th Update
What is happening before the game at BMO Field?
Head to the Budweiser King Club North Extended Patio for our Pregame Party featuring a live DJ, $5 Budweisers, games & prizes and appearances by Toronto FC alumni and special guests. You can get the full details of the pregame festivities here with the matchday guide presented by BMO.
November 23rd Update
Is the second leg at BMO Field sold out yet?
The game at BMO field has not yet sold out. There are still some tickets in the temporary grandstand sections available. However, there are now fewer than 1,000 tickets left so act quickly if you do not want to miss out. Click here to get yours.
What scenarios face the Reds heading into the second leg?
Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore both scored crucial away goals for the Reds in the first leg. Since the Championship is a two-legged aggregate series, where away goals are used as a tiebreaker, the Reds will head home to BMO Field on November 30th with a great shot at advancing to the MLS Cup. Here are all the scenarios facing the Reds heading into the 2nd leg of the Eastern Conference Championship.
What is the format of the conference Championship?
The format of the Conference Championship is identical to the semifinals. It is a standard two-leg, aggregate format. The team that scores the most goals over the two-game home and home series will advance. In the event of a tie at the end of 180 minutes, the team that scored the most goals in their away leg will advance. If it is still tied, the series will be decided by 30 minutes of extra time. If the tie is not broken, the winner will be decided by penalty kicks.
November 8th Update
Who does Toronto FC play?
Toronto FC will face their arch rivals the Montreal Impact in an all-Canadian matchup in the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals. Toronto FC, behind a Sebastian Giovinco hat trick, defeated New York City FC 5-0 (7-0 on aggregate) on Sunday night to secure their spot.
The Impact defeated the New York Red Bulls 2-1 (3-1) on Sunday night to advance to this stage. Ignacio Piatti scored both goals for Montreal in the second leg. Impact keeper Evan Bush also made a crucial save on a penalty attempt by 2016 MVP candidate Sacha Kljestan.
These two teams are no strangers to one another. Toronto and Montreal have already met five times in 2016, including three times in the MLS regular season and twice in the semifinals of the Amway Canadian Championship.
April 23, Stade Saputo, MLS Regular Season
MTL – 0 vs. TFC – 2
The Reds won the first edition of this year’s 401 Derby on the road with a complete team victory over the Impact. Sebastian Giovinco scored twice including once from the penalty spot. Clint Irwin and the Toronto back four were also impressive shutting down both Piatti and Didier Drogba on the afternoon.
The #MVP#TFCLive#MTLvTORpic.twitter.com/kpdsM7tEIn
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) April 23, 2016
June 1, BMO Field, Amway Canadian Championship
TFC – 4 vs. MTL – 2
Canadians Jonathan Osorio and Jordan Hamilton both scored twice to lead the Reds to the first leg victory. For Hamilton, it was his first two competitive goals for Toronto FC. However, some late magic from Didier Drogba (1G, 1A) closed the final margin to 4-2 and gave the Impact two away goals, ensuring the second leg would be tense.
June 8, Stade Saputo, Amway Canadian Championship
MTL – 0 vs. TFC – 0
The Reds and goalkeeper Clint Irwin were able to shut out the Impact at Stade Saputo for the second time in as many months. The Reds won the semifinal matchup 4-2 on aggregate on route to hoisting the Voyageurs cup.
August 27, BMO Field, MLS Regular Season
TFC – 0 vs.MTL – 1
Ignacio Piatti scored the lone goal as the 10-man Montreal Impact defeated Toronto TC in a feisty 401 Derby encounter. It was the first victory for Montreal at BMO field in 12 tries.
October 16, Stade Saputo, MLS Regular Season
MTL – 2 vs. TFC – 2
Toronto FC came from behind twice to battle back to a 2-2 draw in the final regular season meeting between the two rivals. Jozy Altidore and substitute Tosaint Ricketts both scored in the second half to earn a point for the Reds. Ignacio Piatti led the way for the Impact, bagging a brace that included a splendid 19th-minute opener.
Tos the boss. #TFCLive#MTLvTORpic.twitter.com/aDgMIs1D8D
— Toronto FC (@torontofc) October 16, 2016
When and where are the games?
Leg One: Tuesday, November 22, 8:00 PM Olympic Stadium
Leg Two: Wednesday, November 30, 7:00 PM BMO Field
Why is the next round so far away?
The next round of the playoffs is just over two weeks away due to the FIFA mandated international break that takes place November 7-15. Each year soccer’s international governing body designates specific dates in which national teams can play matches. Players can take up to four days away from club duties to partake in national team duties. For example, both Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley were called into the United States national team for upcoming World Cup qualifying matches. The pair will be with the national team from the 11th to the 15th. For competitive balance, the MLS takes a break during this window to prevent penalizing teams for having their players away on international duty for playoff matches.
