Toronto FC is facing a serious challenge to advance out of the group stage of the CONCACAF Champions League, but on Tuesday they did what they had to do to keep those modest hopes alive.
Terry Dunfield scored twice, and Quincy Amarikwa provided a goal and assist, to help Toronto FC roll to a 3-0 victory against Salvadoran side CD Aguila in Champions League group stage action in San Salvador.
The win sets up a group decider on Oct. 24th in Mexico between Toronto FC and reigning Mexican Champion Santos Laguna, which defeated TFC, 3-1, at BMO Field on Aug. 28th. Toronto will have to beat Santos Laguna in Torreon, and win by multiple goals, in order to reach the Champions League quarterfinals.
In other Champions League action Tuesday, Herediano posted a 2-1 victory against Tauro FC in Costa Rica. That result sets up the parameters for a winner-take-all group final between the Costa Rican champions and Real Salt Lake at Rio Tinto Stadium on Oct. 23rd. Real Salt Lake can win the group and advance to the quarterfinals with a 1-0 victory or multi-goal victory, while Herediano advances with a draw, win or one-goal loss other than 1-0.
Lastly, defending Champions League title holders Monterrey cruised past Guatemalan side CD Municipal, 3-0, to secure their place in the quarterfinals.
I am excited for this, Salt Lakes crowd will come out with some passion. And hopefully will help push the team over to get out of the group
RSL is looking better as of late and a clean sheet win against Herendiano is possible with Olave and Borchers healthy, key will be who will score for RSL without Saborio.
Once again, TFC played a comparatively solid game in CCL. Their competition wasn’t good, but you can’t argue with a 3-0 score. I don’t think they have a snow ball’s chance in Torreon, but at least that game is worth something now.