CONCACAF Champions League: Goal, Assist From Mista Lift Toronto To 2-1 Win Over Cruz Azul

Toronto FC (Canada) 2, Cruz Azul (Mexico) 1
Goals: 3’ - Saric (TFC), 44’ - Mista (TFC), 90’ - Gimenez (CRU)

Toronto FC pulled-off the first surprise of group play, taking the lead three minutes into the match on their way to a 2-1 victory at BMO. And the night’s surprise star: Hereto underwhelming Designated Player, Mista.

The Spanish attacker’s header set-up Martin Saric’s third minute tally, though the story of the goal would not be complete without describing goalkeeper Yosart Gutierrez’s attempt to come off his line and play Mista’s shot as a bit of a shocker. The Cementero back-up vacated his net, failed to prevent Mista’s header from looping to Saric in the middle of the six yard box. Saric, in his return from a seven-match injury absence, headed Toronto to the early lead.

Before half, Mista would add Toronto’s second, a left-footed shot from 20 yards out, having just enough on it to get past Gutierrez’s out-stretched left arm. It was Mista’s first goal in a red shirt, an initial sign of settling-in after a disappointing start in North America. Perhaps the shot would be been stopped by normal Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jesus Corona, but with both teams electing to start back-up goalkeepers (Jon Conway got the call for Preki), the 2-0 lead was fair-play for the hosts.

Cruz Azul showed disappointment but little life in the second half. Only a very late if perfectly executed direct kick from El Chaco Gimenez prevented Conway’s clean sheet.

It was a well-deserved victory for the Reds, their second impressive Champions League performance in a row, maintaining BMO Field as the emerging fortress that’s carried them to Major League Soccer playoff contention. And for at least one match day, BMO and Mista have lifted TFC to the top of Group A.