RIVALRY HISTORY
Known as the ‘401 Derby’ or the ‘Canadian Classique,’ the fierce rivalry between Toronto FC and CF Montréal remains one of the most heated in Canadian club soccer. Since their inaugural meeting in May 2008, these two sides have clashed more than 50 times, with Toronto holding a slight edge in the all-time series: 26 wins, 23 losses, and 10 draws across all competitions (MLS, MLS Cup Playoffs, MLS is Back, and Canadian Championship).
Toronto FC’s pedigree includes a Supporters’ Shield (2017), an MLS Cup title (2017), and a record eight Canadian Championship crowns (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2020). CF Montréal, meanwhile, have lifted the Voyageurs Cup five times (2008, 2013, 2014, 2019, and 2021), with their deepest MLS Cup Playoff run coming in 2016—ironically halted by Toronto FC in a thrilling 7-5 aggregate loss in the Eastern Conference Final.
In 2024, Toronto completed a regular season sweep of their rivals with a 5-1 home thrashing in May—featuring a Federico Bernardeschi hat trick—and a 1-0 win away in July. The final chapter of the 2025 regular season series is set for August 30 at BMO Field.
MATCH RECAP
Toronto FC turned up the heat in the latest installment of the 401 Derby, dismantling CF Montréal 6-1 on Saturday in what will go down as one of the most dominant performances in club history.
A red card to CF Montréal’s Joel Waterman in the 20th minute set the stage, and Toronto didn’t look back. Theo Corbeanu and Federico Bernardeschi both bagged braces, while Tyrese Spicer and Ola Brynhildsen chipped in with a goal apiece. Giacomo Vrioni netted the lone goal for Montréal in the 64th minute, a mere consolation in an otherwise lopsided affair.
With this result, head coach Robin Fraser’s side etched their names in the history books, scoring six goals in an MLS regular season match for the first time ever and extending their winning streak against the Bleu-blanc-noir to three straight league matches.
Toronto FC now shift focus to their next test as they return to BMO Field to host Nashville SC on Saturday, May 24. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, with coverage available on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV and TSN3 in Canada.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS & STATS
- Lazar Stefanovic made his first-ever MLS start for Toronto FC.
- Federico Bernardeschi recorded his third brace for the club and notched four total goal contributions (2 goals, 2 assists)—his best single-game tally since joining TFC.
- Ola Brynhildsen opened his goal-scoring account and added his first assist for TFC.
- Maxime Dominguez tallied his first assist for the Reds.
- Theo Corbeanu scored his first career brace for Toronto FC.
- TFC’s six-goal outburst marked the most goals they’ve ever scored in an MLS match, surpassing their previous high of five—also against CF Montréal in May 2024 at BMO Field.
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