Luka Gavran rescues Toronto FC in scoreless draw against CF Montréal

Toronto FC returned to MLS action with a point, but little momentum, as Luka Gavran delivered a standout performance to help the Reds earn a 0-0 draw against rivals CF Montréal on Thursday night at Stade Saputo.

Back in league play after the FIFA World Cup break, Toronto spent much of the evening defending as Montréal controlled possession and created the better opportunities. Gavran answered every test, recording three saves to secure Toronto’s second clean sheet of the season and preserve a valuable road point.

The result extends Toronto’s winless run to 10 MLS matches, with the club still searching for its first league victory since defeating the Colorado Rapids on April 4.

“We had to defend a lot,” head coach Robin Fraser said after the match. “To come here in this rivalry game and get a shutout, that’s definitely positive.”

Gavran answers every Montréal chance

The home side dictated much of the match, particularly through Hennadii Synchuk, who repeatedly found space down the right wing and finished with several of Montréal’s best scoring opportunities.

The winger forced Gavran into an early save inside the opening minute before testing the Toronto goalkeeper again midway through the second half with a powerful effort from inside the box. Each time, Gavran responded to keep the match level.

Toronto’s defensive organization limited Montréal to just three shots on target despite allowing the hosts to spend extended stretches in the attacking half.

Reds struggle to threaten

While Toronto remained organized defensively, creating chances proved to be a different story.

The Reds finished the night without a shot on target, as Montréal goalkeeper Thomas Gillier was rarely called into action.

Josh Sargent spent much of the evening isolated up front, receiving little service despite his constant pressing work off the ball. Daniel Sallói came closest to stealing all three points late in the match, but his effort drifted wide as Toronto’s attacking frustrations continued.

Fraser admitted both clubs showed signs of the nearly two-month layoff.

“I don’t think we played particularly well,” Fraser said. “Both teams looked like they hadn’t played in two months.”

Mihailovic returns to action

Toronto did receive an encouraging boost with the return of Djordje Mihailovic.

The midfielder made his first appearance since suffering a pelvic stress fracture in April, entering in the 74th minute against his former club at Stade Saputo. Although his introduction added energy to Toronto’s attack, the visitors were unable to find the breakthrough.

Earlier in the day, Toronto also announced the signing of 18-year-old defender Richard Chukwu to a first-team contract. The academy product was included in the matchday squad but remained an unused substitute.

Looking ahead

Toronto now turns its attention to another important Eastern Conference matchup when it visits the New England Revolution on Wednesday.

While the clean sheet offers something to build on after the World Cup break, the Reds know they will need significantly more creativity in the final third if they hope to end one of the club’s longest winless stretches of the season.