MONTREAL (AP) — Richie Laryea’s first-half goal led Toronto to a 1-0 victory over Montreal on Saturday night.
After combining with Federico Bernardeschi, Lorenzo Insigne found Laryea at the back post for a tap into the open goal with five minutes left to play in the first half.
The goal stood up in a defensive battle in which Toronto finished with two shots on goal and Montreal had one.
Still, Montreal had two near misses late in the second half.
Bryce Duke had a shot deflected off the crossbar in the 80th minute and just a minute before regulation time ended, Josef Martinez was played in alone but could not convert.
Toronto (9-14-3) swept the season series with Montreal (6-10-9) for the first time since 2019.
Montreal entered the match riding a seven-game unbeaten streak at home.
The series between the rivals now stands at 16-14-5 in Toronto’s favor.
MLS now takes a break from regular-season play, with the All-Star Game in Columbus on Wednesday and the annual Leagues Cup running from Friday to Aug. 25.
___