Match Preview: TFC eye MLS record against Montreal Impact Tuesday at BMO Field

TORONTO, Ont.—Toronto FC will be back at BMO Field on Tuesday night as they look to build on their commanding lead at the top of the Canadian MLS standings while also extending their lead in the race for the Supporters Shield. Kick-off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Friday night saw the Reds and the Montreal Impact take to the field at Saputo Stadium with the advancement of social justice being everyone’s number one priority. After the match, Justin Morrow, the Executive Director of Black Players for Change, acknowledged that he felt progress had been with MLS owners to use the MLS as a platform for social justice which led to the decision for him and his teammates to play.

While most players were available for selection, Reds striker Jozy Altidore did not play due to personal reasons. According to TFC head coach Greg Vanney, both Altidore and Ayo Akinola will be available on Tuesday night.

On the soccer front, Toronto FC had another professional outing in Montreal. The Reds limited the Impact offence to just one shot on target. In three games since the second phase of the MLS restart, the Reds have yet to concede a goal and have made life easy for Quentin Westberg, allowing just three shots on target over the three games.

Vanney’s side have taken care of business over the last three games to put themselves in a prime position to be the MLS representative in the Voyageurs Cup final and can now equal the longest regular season unbeaten streak in MLS history at 19.

Toronto and Montreal have treated fans to stressful and frantic games in the past, including earlier this season at the MLS is Back tournament in a seven goal thriller. Toronto’s lead atop the Canadian Standings will mean Tuesday night is a must-win game for Montreal. Although Toronto can’t clinch top spot with a win on Tuesday, another Montreal loss will make the remaining matches a formality.

With the large deficit facing the Impact, it’s a safe bet to assume that Thierry Henry’s squad will be set up to score goals. This may play straight into the hands of the Reds as it will leave pockets of spaces for Alejandro Pozuelo, Jonathan Osorio and Pablo Piatti to work their magic might lead to an eventful Tuesday night at BMO Field.

Additional Notes

• Alejandro Pozuelo was once again selected in the MLS Team of the Week. Pozuelo netted the lone goal on Friday night from the spot.

• Toronto will equal the longest unbeaten run (19 games) in MLS history with a win or draw on Tuesday. The other two clubs to do so were Columbus (2004-2005) and Dallas (2010).

How to watch

Kickoff is set for 8:00 p.m. EST on Tuesday night, and those in Canada can watch on TSN 1/4.