The Montreal Impact retained the Voyageurs Cup with a 1–0 (2–1 aggregate) win over Toronto FC at Stade Saputo in Montreal on Wednesday night.
Felipe Martins got the game’s only goal in second half stoppage time by firing home a rebound after Marco Di Vaio’s blast hit the woodwork. TFC were throwing everything they had at the Impact knowing that a scoreless draw does them no good.
In what was generally a tense affair, Montreal took over the game in the latter stages of the first half. Toronto FC’s best chance came in the 83rd minute when Jonathan Osorio’s shot beat Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush, but hit the post.
“This is one of the goals we set before the season,” said Impact coach Frank Klopas in an interview with Sportsnet after the game.
“I take my hat off to my players. It’s a different team right now,” Klopas said.
The Impact and TFC tied 1–1 in the first leg on May 28 in Toronto. Justin Mapp’s beautiful left-footed strike canceled out Doneil Henry’s headed goal. It was a tale of two halves with Toronto on top in the first half, but the second half being dominated by Montreal.
The Impact have had a difficult start to their MLS season, sitting last in the Eastern Conference. They rebounded with a 2–0 win over New England last Saturday following their strong second half against Toronto FC in the first leg.
With their Amway Canadian Championship win the Montreal Impact also earn a spot in the 2014-15 CONCACAF Champions League in a group with the New York Red Bulls and El Salvador’s CD FAS.
Follow Rahul on Twitter @RV_ETSports
