Toronto FC made an impressive run to the CONCACAF Champions League semifinals in the tournament's last installment, and on Wednesday TFC looked every bit like a team determined to make another deep run.
Toronto opened Champions League play on Wednesday with a resounding 5-1 victory against Salvadoran side CD Aguila. Rookie midfielder Luis Silva lead the way, notching a goal and two assists while Reggie Lambe provided two goals of his own to send TFC into first place in the three-team group that also includes defending Mexican champion Santos Laguna.
Silva opened the scoring with a ninth-minute header off a Torsten Frings corner kick, then set up Toronto's second goal when he worked a give-and-go with Lambe that Lambe slotted home in the 17th minute.
CD Aguila was given some life in the 37 minute when TFC goalkeeper Milos Kocic spilled a free kick right to Yaikel Perez, who made the score 2-1. Toronto shook that off just three minutes later when Terry Dunfield re-directed an Ashtone Morgan cross.
Lambe added his second with a low blast early in the second half, and Ryan Johnson provided the capper when he raced onto a perfect long pass from Silva to make the final score 5-1.
The victory sets up TFC with a chance to take control of Group 1 with a victory at BMO Field against the same Santos Laguna side Toronto lost to in the Champions League semifinals earlier this year. Santos Laguna will open group play against CD Aguila in Torreon, Mexico on Aug. 21st.
What did you think of Toronto FC's performance on Wednesday night? Think TFC has any chance of winning the group and reaching the quarterfinals? Still see Santos Laguna bein too tough to beat?
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