Major League Soccer teams have had a history of struggling to gain road points in the CONCACAF Champions League and nothing changed on Tuesday night as the Columbus Crew and Toronto FC both lost group matches.
The Crew fell in heartbreaking fashion, giving up a stoppage-time game winner in a 1-0 loss to Santos Laguna. In Panama, TFC could not overcome the surrendering of an early goal or a questionable Nick LaBrocca red card in a 1-0 loss to Arabe Unido.
The Columbus loss came in controversial fashion, as an apparent goal from Andy Iro was waved off because Emilio Renteria, who assisted on the would-be goal, came onto the field with a plain un-numbered jersey (after being told it was okay by match officials).
The Toronto loss wasn't much easier to watch, with a reserve-laden TFC squad struggling to cope with a lack of offense and a terrible referee (who issued two red cards).
MLS clubs will return to Champions League action tonight, with Real Salt Lake seeking to be the first MLS team to win a Champions League match in Mexico when it takes on Cruz Azul. The Seattle Sounders will look to score their first win of the group stage when they play host to Monterrey.
Here are highlights from both matches:
ARABE UNIDO 1, TORONTO FC 0
SANTOS LAGUNA 1, COLUMBUS CREW 0
What did you think of last night's matches? Think the Crew deserved a point? Amazed at the incompetent officiating in CONCACAF? Is Arabe Unido your new most-hated team?
Share your thoughts below.