Lack of defensive polish costs Impact in tournament loss to Toronto

The Impact raised its competitive level on this night. Unfortunately, the club also was victimized by porous defensive play.

Montreal dropped its second consecutive group stage game Thursday night at the MLS is Back tournament, losing 4-3 to rival Toronto FC, at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports complex in Reunion, Fla. The Reds have a 1-0-1 record.

The Impact must now win its final preliminary-round game next Tuesday night against D.C. United for any hope of making it to the knockout stage. But its predicament appears grave.

Ayo Akinola paced Toronto with three goals. Born in Detroit but raised in Brampton, Ont., the forward now has scored an incredible five goals in two games. Richie Laryea scored the other goal for the Reds.

Saphir Taïder scored twice on penalties for the Impact, the latter coming in second-half added time. Romell Quioto opened the scoring for Montreal.

Although the Impact had a full week off following their loss to New England, Toronto was playing its second game in four days following Monday morning’s 2-2 draw against D.C. The Reds allowed two late goals in that match against a team short one man following an ejection. But there would be no late collapse against Montreal.