Toronto FC faces CF Montréal in the 2025 Canadian Championship | OneFootball

Toronto FC’s 2025 Canadian Championship journey begins with a familiar foe in CF Montréal, reigniting one of the fiercest rivalries in Canadian soccer.

Despite facing a tough opponent in this early stage, Toronto FC holds a psychological advantage, having dominated CF Montréal in their 2024 encounters.

In their last two meetings, Toronto FC secured emphatic victories. At BMO Field, they delivered an unforgettable 5-1 thrashing, followed by a narrow 1-0 win on the road. These performances highlight Toronto’s capability to rise to the occasion in high-stakes matches, especially against their fiercest rival.

A Shot at Redemption

Toronto FC enters this competition with redemption on their minds after falling short in the 2024 final. Despite their strong history in the Canadian Championship, with their last title coming in 2020, the team is determined to end their drought and reclaim the crown.

The first step will be overcoming CF Montréal in what promises to be an intense and closely contested derby. Success in this opening matchup could set the tone for Toronto FC’s campaign and strengthen their bid for the title.

Building Toward the Future

This Canadian Championship run aligns with Toronto FC’s broader rebuilding efforts heading into the 2025 season. Under the leadership of sporting director Jason Hernández, the club is working diligently to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for multiple honors.

Winning the Canadian Championship would be a significant milestone in this process, offering a morale boost to players and fans alike. It also provides an opportunity for the team to build momentum early in the season as they aim to return to prominence in MLS.

High Stakes in the Preliminary Round

While Toronto FC’s historical success in this competition provides confidence, CF Montréal remains a formidable opponent. The matchup not only carries the weight of progressing in the tournament but also the pride and intensity of the Canadian derby.

With their first major challenge of 2025 already set, Toronto FC’s journey begins in earnest. Fans will be eager to see their team rise to the occasion and take the first step toward what could be a memorable season.