Match Recap: Toronto FC vs. Chivas Guadalajara

RECAP: TOR vs. CVG

Toronto FC were widely labeled the favorites in the lead-up to Tuesday's first leg of the 2018 Concacaf Champions League final vs. CD Guadalajara at BMO Field.


But the old ghosts of MLS' CCL struggles had other ideas. 


Chivas stunned the hosts with a gut-wrenching goal less than 120 seconds after the opening whistle, Rodolfo Pizarro netting a to snatch an early lead, a precious away goal and a massive mental advantage for the Mexican giants. 


Though clearly rattled by the setback, TFC rallied gamely, hauling themselves back into the match via Jonathan Osorio's fourth goal of the tournament and watching in agony as an effort from Jozy Altidore, who was hampered by illness and appeared to throw up repeatedly during the match, clanged the post before halftime. But their momentum flagged after the break, and a costly misjudgment by goalkeeper Alex Bono pushed the Canadian side into an even deeper hole. 


Chivas star Alan Pulido may have intended it as a cross, but his deep set-piece delivery from near the touchline was sweetly struck from range, arcing over Bono's fingertips and into the net to deliver a massive 2-1 victory for the Goats. It leaves TFC with a mountain to climb in Leg 2 at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara next Wednesday.