TFC’s 401 series falls in their favour again

Rivalry Week in MLS always brings a special energy, offering fans drama, goals, and heated matchups. Few rivalries in the league produce quite as much excitement for Toronto fans as the 401 Derby against CF Montréal. For Toronto FC, this fixture has consistently been a bright spot—especially in recent years—and Saturday’s emphatic 6-1 victory only added to that legacy.

Toronto have now racked up an impressive 12-2 aggregate scoreline over Montréal in their last three MLS encounters. This latest win at Stade Saputo marks the first time in club history that Toronto FC have scored six goals in a regular-season MLS match. It’s only the third time ever that the Reds have scored six in any competition. Previously, they came close with a 5-1 win over Montréal in May 2024, and their biggest margin of victory remains the 8-1 thrashing of CS Saint-Laurent in the 2024 Canadian Championship—a game where Deandre Kerr scored four, setting a single-game club record.

Interestingly, this wasn’t the first time Toronto beat Montréal 6-1 on the road. Back in 2009, they did the same in the Canadian Championship’s final match. Needing a five-goal margin to clinch the Voyageurs Cup on goal difference, TFC delivered, with a hat-trick from Dwayne De Rosario leading the charge. Notably, the Vancouver Whitecaps had already arrived expecting to lift the trophy—only to watch from the stands as Toronto claimed it in dramatic fashion with a 90th-minute winner by Amado Guevara.

Federico Bernardeschi continues to be a nightmare for Montréal defenders. His two goals on Saturday brought his tally to eight against them in all competitions, making him the second-highest scorer against Montréal in Toronto FC history. He trails only Jozy Altidore, who scored nine, including a memorable injury-time free kick to earn a draw in 2021—his last goal for the club.

Saturday’s match also marked a milestone for young defender Lazar Stefanovic. With injuries thinning the defensive ranks, the 18-year-old made his first MLS start, filling in at left back despite being a natural center-back. He held his own admirably in the high-stakes derby, completing 89% of his passes and playing the full 90 minutes with composure. While reinforcements like Richie Laryea or Raoul Petretta would help stabilize the back line, Stefanovic’s performance was a promising sign for the future.

Another highlight was Ola Brynhildsen, who finally opened his Toronto FC account with a goal in the 33rd minute. After a difficult start to life in Toronto marred by injuries, the Norwegian striker slotted home a well-placed pass from Maxime Dominguez. Brynhildsen might have scored earlier if not for being hauled down by Joel Waterman—who was shown a straight red for denying a clear chance.

Saturday’s dismissal was the 16th red card in matches between Toronto and Montréal since 2008. This derby doesn’t lack fire—Montréal have seen 10 reds, Toronto six. The rivalry is fierce, emotional, and never short on drama.

TFC now return to BMO Field for a three-game home stretch to wrap up May, starting with a visit from Jacob Shaffelburg and Nashville SC. If recent form holds, more reasons to cheer could be on the horizon for Reds supporters.

Reno Silva/MS