CanChamp Preview: 401 Derby Arrives In First Round As Toronto FC Hosts CF Montreal

The 2025 Canadian Championship tournament is underway and the Reds are set to host their rivals with a 401 Derby set to take place tonight at BMO Field.

Both sides will be eager to get the win as both teams have severely struggled thus far into the 2025 MLS Campaign, with CF Montreal at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table with three points, and Toronto sit just above them in fourteenth place with seven points. A win from either side will be one that represents more than the rivalry and pride on the line, but a positive note to a struggling season.

Last year saw Toronto face two League1 Canada teams – the Simcoe Country Rovers FC and CS Saint-Laurent – and then Canadian Premier League club Forge FC in the semi-final before ultimately losing in the final to MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps 4-2 on penalties.

CF Montreal, on the other hand, were defeated by Forge FC in the quarter-final stage over two legs.

Now both teams face up early and the stakes are high as it is a single-elimination game.

Both sides have yet to face other in the MLS this season, though last season Toronto FC beat their rivals both home and away with a stunning 5-1 offensive win at BMO Field in the 2024 MLS 401 Derby meetings.

Toronto last won the Voyageurs Cup in the one-off pandemic-delayed edition which was officially for 2020 but took place in 2022. They have made it to the finals and lost in two of the last three seasons since.

“The Canadian Championship, which is certainly a big deal here in Canada, is something we obviously badly want to win,” said Fraser post Saturday league game loss against New York City FC.

“This team has won it quite a few times, but not recently. Certainly, this is something that we would love to be able to win for our fans.”

Set to miss the one off game against Montreal are Richie Laryea, Deandre Kerr, Zane Monlouis, Henry Wingo, Derrick Etienne Jr, and Charlie Sharp, who are all unavailable for play due to injury.

Goalkeeper Sean Johnson was also absent from training on Tuesday, so expect Luka Gavran to slot into the eleven. Ola Brynhildsen and Nicksoen Gomis are expected to be back and available to play on the positive side for TFC things. Yet, a rotation in the starting lineup is highly possible as this Toronto’s first two-game week of the season, as following this Wednesday evening matchup, the Reds are set to host the New England Revolution at BMO Field on Saturday as well.

Header Image Photo Credit: Chris Hue