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CCL Rewind: FC Dallas settles for draw, TFC demolished by Pumas, and more

  CCLLogo

FC Dallas scored an early goal to take control of their CONCACAF Champions League match against Tauro FC, but never could find a second goal, leaving the door open for the visitors to grab a valuable draw.

That's what Tauro did, when Luis Moreno converted a penalty kick drawn after a clumsy Ugo Ihemelu challenge just before halftime. FC Dallas had a George John header goal denied for offside, though replays showed John was, in fact, onside. Neither team could muster another score, leaving Dallas to settle for a 1-1 draw.

The tie kept FC Dallas (2-0-1) in first place in its Champions League group, three points clear of second-place UNAM Pumas, but by dropping points at home, Dallas missed the chance to have all but secured passage into the second round with three games left to play in the group stage.

Toronto FC's own hopes of securing a second-round berth took a major hit after a 4-0 thrashing by Pumas in Mexico. Pumas scored all four goals in the first half, tearing apart a Toronto side that was coming off a promising 4-2 victory against the Columbus Crew in MLS play.

The loss drops TFC into third place in Group C, and the Canadians will likely have to beat Pumas when the squads meet on Sept. 27th to have any chance of a knockout round berth.

In other CONCACAF Champions League action, Defending champions Monterrey suffered another setback, losing to Guatemalan side Comuniciones, 1-0, on Wednesday night. The Mexican side played mostly a reserve side in their visit to Guatemala, and paid the price when Uruguayan Carlos Ramirez notched the eventual game-winning goal just before halftime.

What did you think of these matches? Disappointed that Dallas couldn't lock down the home win? Think Toronto FC has any chance of getting to the group stage? Surprised to see Monterrey taking the Champions League so lightly this time around?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

  1. Toronto is in because they are the Canadian champion. They beat Vancover and Montreal to become the Canadian rep in CCL. Every country in the Concacaf has a chance for their champion to go to the league

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  2. It’s worth mentioning that Pumas had been using what was essentially their u20 team in CCL for earlier games but last night they used pretty much their regular senior team lineup.

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  3. You do realize Seattle played, and won, last night too, right? Why no mention? They’re the only team in the entire tournament with a 100% record (and 2 of 3 wins have been road wins) and are well on their way to the next round.

    Reply

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