CF Montreal defender Joel Waterman, left, slides in to challenge Toronto FC forward Jacob Shaffelburg for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - Mason Toye scored in the third minute and Montreal led the rest of the way in its 4-2 win over Toronto on Saturday in the season opener for both teams.
On the counterattack, Zachary Brault-Guillard ran up the middle of the field before passing to Toye, who put away a first-timer to open the scoring. Romell Quioto won a footrace to a long clearance by Joel Waterman and slipped in a top-netter to make it 2-0 in the 24th minute.
Toronto's Marco Delgado converted a penalty kick in the 45th but Victor Wanyama bounced a header, off a corner kick by Mustafa Kizza, into the net in the 54th minute and Djordje Mihailovic, racing down the middle, took a pass by Erik Hurtado and beat a defender before blasting a right-footer from point-blank range to make it 4-1 in the 71st.
Richie Laryea's rolling side-netter in the 88th minute capped the scoring.
Formerly known as the Montreal Impact, re-branded CF Montreal is playing its home games at Fort Lauderdale, Florida, because of travel restrictions by the Canadian government during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Wilifred Nancy won his first game as Montreal's coach. He was promoted when Thierry Henry resigned on Feb. 25. Former New York Red Bulls coach Chris Armas lost his debut with Toronto.
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CF Montreal forward Bjorn Johnsen, left, attempts a shot on the goal as Toronto FC defender Omar Gonzalez defends during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CF Montreal won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
CF Montreal midfielder Djordje Mihailovic (8) is congratulated by forward Erik Hurtado, left, after scoring a goal during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Toronto FC, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
CF Montreal midfielder Victor Wanyama (2) and Toronto FC midfielder Noble Okello (14) vie for the ball during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
CF Montreal goalkeeper Clement Diop (23) defends the goal as Toronto FC forward Jacob Shaffelburg attempts a shot during the first half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley, left, slides in to tackle the ball from CF Montreal midfielder Djordje Mihailovic the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CF Montreal won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press
CF Montreal forward Erik Hurtado (11) maneuvers the ball as Toronto FC defender Auro Jr. defends during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Saturday, April 17, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. CF Montreal won 4-2. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
The Associated Press