Ryan Johnson scored twice in a 10-minute span, and Toronto FC topped Real Esteli, 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) in Nicaragua Tuesday night to win its CONCACAF Champions League preliminary tie and book a place in the tournament's Group C.
Johnson seized momentum for TFC with a great left-footed volley from just outside the area in the 37th minute to negate Real Esteli's away goal and give Toronto a two-goal aggregate edge. Manuel Rosas brought the hosts back within range with a penalty kick in first-half stoppage time, but Johnson countered just two minutes after the restart, taking advantage of a shaky clearance by Real Esteli goalkeeper Carlos Mendieta to seal the victory.
TFC will compete with Pumas UNAM, Tauro and either Alianza or FC Dallas, whose preliminary tie will be decided Wednesday night, in the group stage.
Highlights from the match are after the jump:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ip8FSlH55U]
——————–
What did you think of TFC's performance? Do you see Toronto having success in the group stage?
Share your thoughts below.