Hours after dropping a 1-0 decision at home to Dallas despite a decisive edge on shot attempts, possession and total passes, Toronto FC was given another lifeline in the CONCACAF Champions League Thursday night.
Group C rivals Pumas UNAM and Tauro F.C. drew nil-nil in Panama City, bringing the clubs to one point each from two games, while Toronto continues to occupy a top-two position with Dallas leading the quartet. First and second place teams in the group will earn a quarterfinal berth for March.
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<strong>VIDEO: Richard Eckersley following Thursday's CCL loss.</strong> |
Pumas, after becoming the first Mexican team to lose to an MLS side on home soil in CCL (1-0 to Dallas), was expected to draw level with Toronto in Group C by taking maximum points in Panama on their second outing. However, despite a man advantage for over an hour, the Mexican visitors weren’t able to break down the Panamanian champions.
The Mexican club had two goals disallowed in each half; the first for a foul and later to an offside call.
With four games remaining in Group C, Toronto’s next match in Mexico City against Pumas (September 14, 8 p.m. ET on GOL TV Canada) becomes much tougher than initially expected. Toronto will have to compete without the services of defender Richard Eckersley, who picked up a second caution and red card on Thursday against Dallas.
Pumas manager Guillermo Vasquez’ insistence on using teenagers and other youth players in CCL hasn’t been working and he could field first team regulars against TFC. Another loss or more dropped points at home could seriously harm the Mexicans’ chance of advancing to the quarterfinals ahead of Dallas and Toronto.
Pumas plays in the Primera Division de Mexico this weekend against Cruz Azul, while Toronto returns to MLS action, taking on San Jose at BMO Field on Saturday night (7 p.m. ET on GOL TV Canada).
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