Missing Michael Bradley, Will Johnson and the injured Giovinco, Greg Vanney opted for young, homegrown talent with an average age of under 25. TFC academy products produced the attacking flair and registered all four goals and three of the assists.
Local boys Jonathan Osorio and Jordan Hamilton were the stars on the night, both scoring twice. Hamilton’s particularly pretty pair were his first competitive goals in Toronto colours. Ashtone Morgan, who took the captain’s armband when the impressive Benoit Cheyrou was subbed off, also had a strong game down the left side.
Johnson has returned from international duty with Canada, albeit with hip flexor soreness, and may feature at Saputo Stadium. Forward Tsubasa Endoh has also been cleared to play.
Late goals from Michael Salazar and Drogba in Toronto mean the second leg will be hotly contested but TFC’s 2-0 road win against their rivals earlier this season will give them cause for confidence.
The Impact will be without captain Patrice Bernier, following his sending off for a two-footed challenge on Danny Lovitz at BMO. Coach Mauro Biello will also be unable to rely on the services of Argentine Nacho Piatti, who underwent hand surgery last week and will miss three weeks.
In better news for the Quebec side, defenders Ambroise Oyongo and Víctor Cabrera are both re-available for selection.
The Voyageurs Cup has proven a welcome distraction for TFC following a slump in performances in MLS play. Toronto don’t return to league action until June 18, when they host the Los Angeles Galaxy. If the Reds see off Montreal this Wednesday they will face either Vancouver Whitecaps or Ottawa Fury, who are hoping to make their first appearance in the final of the Canadian competition.
Projected Line-ups
Toronto: C.Irwin, E.Zavaleta, N.Hagglund, A.Morgan, S.Beitashour, D.Lovitz, W.Johnson, J.Osorio, S.Giovinco, M.Babouli, J.Hamilton
Montreal: E.Kronberg, K.Fisher, A.Oyongo, V.Cabrera, H.Camara, H.Shipp, K.Bekker, M.Salazar, L.Ontivero, D.Oduro, D.Drogba
Broadcast: TSN