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Toronto FC lost its tactical way Sunday in its long-awaited return to BMO Field after eight straight road games, according to coach Greg Vanney.

Toronto was too passive in the 2-1 Major League Soccer loss to Houston. Playing in two flat lines of four in the midfield and backline had helped shore up the defence on the road but only served to give the visiting Dynamo time on the ball to probe away.

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Wednesday represents an opportunity for Toronto to showcase a more offensive approach at home as its hosts the Montreal Impact in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship semifinal.

“We’re down a goal. So it’s on us to go make the game a little bit,” Vanney said. “I like that. I think that’s what this team needs right now.”

Montreal won the first leg 1-0 thanks to a 68th-minute strike by Jack McInerney at Saputo Stadium and is ready for a Toronto pushback.

“I have a feeling it’s going to be fairly open on their side,” Impact goalie Eric Kronberg said. “They’re going to probably need to push numbers forward to get that goal, so hopefully we can catch them on the counter (-attack).”