Top Stories

CCL Rewind: Toronto FC lose late, Alajuelense grab narrow win

Santos Laguna (Getty Images)

If Toronto FC were in need of a result into their CONCACAF Champions League match against Santos Laguna, they are in must-win territory now.

Toronto fought back from a one-goal deficit thanks to a goal from Quincy Amarikwa, but they surrendered two late goals to suffer a 3-1 loss at BMO Field in Group 1 action on Tuesday. Daniel Luduena scored in the 90th minute and Candido Ramirez added an insurance goal two minutes later to put Santos ahead and give them two wins at the midway point of group play.

Toronto FC are now 1-0-1 through their first two group games, and they face an uphill battle if they wish to make it out to the knockout phase of tournament. The Reds visit Aguila on Sept. 25 and they then play their final group fixture at Santos Laguna on Oct. 24.

In the other CCL match on Tuesday, Costa Rican outfit Alajuelense went into Nicaragua and defeated Real Esteli, 1-0. Allen Estaban Guevara scored the winner three minutes before halftime, giving Alajuelense the three points and tying them on points with Tigres UANL in Group 6.

What do you think of Toronto FC giving up two late goals and losing? Still think they can make it out of the group? Do you see Alajuelense having a chance at advancing at of Group 6?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Canada is in because they won the Canadian championship. Just like the US Open Cup winner, the winner of the C Cup goes to CCL. You can argue about the lame Canadian Cup format, but they are in legitimately.

    Why do you think this tournament’s a joke? It’s an amazing tournament that provides a great opportunity to learn more about soccer on this continent. Since I began watching it 7+ years ago, interest in it by fans has grown exponentially, giveing it more importance.

    Refs, odd qualifying processes, some Central American feild conditions and Bruce Arena’s bellyaching aside- the rawness of this tournament is a nice change from the overly polished and produced ECL.

    Reply
  2. Hold on, mang! How exactly do you even qualify for CCL, simply by showing up?! How in the heck did Toronto FC qualify? They suck A$$

    This tournament is a joke for so many reasons.

    Reply

Leave a Comment