Toronto FC vs CF Montreal – A Canadian MLS Rivalry

by Amelia Walker, January 31, 2023

• History & Previous Meetings
• Toronto FC’s Memorable Moments
• Toronto FC’s Form and Season
• CF Montreal’s Memorable Moments
• CF Montreal’s Recent Form and Season

The rivalry between Toronto FC and CF Montreal has a short history, beginning in 2012 when Toronto FC joined the MLS. However, the matches between these teams are highly anticipated by fans and are considered significant events in the Canadian soccer calendar. The proximity of Toronto and Montreal, two major Canadian cities, adds a geographical element to the rivalry, with fans regularly swarming each other’s stadiums.

The rivalry between these two clubs is dubbed the “Canadian Classique” , also often called the “401 Derby,” or the “401 Classique,” named after the 401 highway connecting the two cities. The short distance between the two cities makes it easy for fans to travel and support their teams during away matches, contributing to the lively atmosphere in the stadiums. The supporters’ groups for both teams, such as Toronto FC’s “Red Patch Boys” and CF Montreal’s “Ultras Montréal,” are crucial in fueling the rivalry. The passionate and vocal fanbases contribute to the electric atmosphere during matches.

The two arch-rivals played their first match in the MLS on April 7, 2012, at the Olympic Stadium in front of 24,000 fans. Montreal won the encounter, then called Montreal Impact by 2-1. This rivalry also encompasses the Canadian Championship, which determines the best Canadian soccer team. As a result, the two sides have a storied history dating back to the pre-MLS era.

History & Previous Meetings

Across all competitions, these two rivals have clashed 59 times, with Toronto FC edging CF Montreal in the overall head-to-head by 27-22. Ten games have ended in draws. However, in the MLS, Montreal have the advantage.

Toronto FC Memorable Moments

An intense rivalry with the physical proximity and the fact that these two are the only Canadian clubs in the MLS surely has its fair share of notable moments. 2017 was one such year for Toronto FC when they became the first-ever Canadian club to win the Treble – the Canadian Championship, the MLS Cup, and the Supporters’ Shield. During this feat, a late winner from Jozy Altidore secured a 2-1 victory.

In 2015, Toronto became the first Canadian team to play in an MLS Cup Final after beating their local rivals in a thrilling two-legged encounter. After losing the first leg 2-3 in Montreal, they came from behind to secure a 5-2 win at the BMO Stadium.

In 2020, Toronto got the better of Montreal in a one-off MLS is Back Tournament, beating them 4-3, where Montreal was playing as the home team.

Toronto FC’s Recent Form and Season

The 2017 MLS Cup Champions have had a nightmare season in 2023. Toronto will be glad that the season is over and look forward to finding the rhythm of their earlier years again next year. With all this in mind, we’re certain that the best MLS betting sites will consider the team’s current form accordingly.

Toronto finished at the bottom of the Western Conference and the Supporters’ Shield table. They won just four out of 34 league games in the 2023 edition.

Apart from finishing the season with the lowest points tally, Toronto could not make a mark on their rivalry, as their Canadian neighbors did a league double over them. This season also saw Toronto concede their head-to-head advantage over the Quebec side, who are now on level terms and well poised to overtake them in the next season.

CF Montreal’s Memorable Moments

The first-ever encounter between these two teams was held at Montreal’s home ground, the Olympic Stadium, where the home side earned the bragging rights after a 2-1 win in the inaugural 401 derby.

In the current season of the MLS, CF Montreal bagged a double over their Canadian rivals, defeating them comfortably 2-0 at home in May and then 3-2 in a closely fought encounter at the BMO Stadium in August.

Toronto FC led the head-to-head against Montreal by 14-8 before the 2021 season; however, Montreal have won six consecutive times since against their bitter rivals, tying their MLS head-to-head.

CF Montreal’s Recent Form and Season

CF Montreal had an average season in the 2023 MLS, just missing out on the playoff qualification spot after finishing tenth. Despite bagging the double over their Canadian rivals this season, Montreal was unable to make it beyond the regular season. They finished with a tally of 41 points from 34 games.

Montreal recorded just 12 wins, bringing their win rate below 50% this season. In comparison, they lost precisely half of their games, while the remaining five ended in draws. The club finished tenth in the Eastern Conference and 20th in the Supporters’ Shield table.

Since winning the Canadian Championship in 2021, Montreal have struggled to make an impact in either league. Never having won the MLS or made it to the finals, the current season’s result pushes the dream a year ahead for the Quebec side.