CF Montreal watching TFC regular-season finale in Philadelphia with interest

Toronto FC holds no love for CF Montreal. But it can do its biggest rival a huge solid Sunday as MLS wraps up the regular season.

Toronto (9-17-7, 34 points) was eliminated from playoff contention on Sept. 17 in a 4-0 loss at Orlando City SC. But it can still impact the post-season picture Sunday when it visits Philadelphia, the team Montreal is chasing for top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Montreal (19-9-5, 62 points) plays at Inter Miami on Sunday, looking to close the two-point gap with Philadelphia (18-5-10, 64 points).

Philadelphia will clinch the first seed in the East with a win over Toronto or a Montreal loss or tie at Miami. Montreal will finish first if it wins in Miami and Philadelphia loses or ties TFC. Should Montreal and Philadelphia finish tied on points, Montreal wins the tiebreaker by virtue of more wins.

"They've had a good season," Toronto midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye said of Montreal. "I have some good friends on the team and Canadian teammates that have had conversations with me just about how important their game is. They need to win. And the result of our game.

"At the end of the day, we want to win. And if that means us winning helps Montreal, then lucky for them."

Finishing first means home-field advantage for the Eastern Conference portion of the playoffs. And depending on what happens to West-leading Los Angeles FC in the playoffs, it could mean home-field advantage for the MLS Cup final.

TFC may have to face the Union without the Italian trio of Lorenzo Insigne, Federico Bernardeschi and Domenico Criscito who did not train Friday.

"All question-marks for the game. All carrying little things," sad Toronto coach Bob Bradley.

Toronto will finish 13th in the East no matter what happens Decision