Winning the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League preliminary stage tie 2-1 worked well enough for Toronto FC so they decided to do it again in the second leg. What it resulted in was a 4-2 aggregate win that puts the Reds into the group stage of the tournament. It wasn't as easy the second time around considering they had to do it away from the comforts of BMO Field, but Ryan Johnson scored two goals and Real Esteli's tournament came to an end.
Real Esteli Vs. Toronto FC, CONCACAF Champions League: Reds Advance 4-2 On Aggregate
The pitch at Estadio Independencia in Nicaragua was horrendous with high, patchy grass that made for an uneven playing surface and as a result the quality of play was terrible. Even the most basic, simple passes were an adventure and the ball could bounce in unintended directions.
Because playing on the ground was borderline impossible Johnson decided to have a go from the air. A ball bounced up and he took a crack at a 20-yard left-footed volley. It was a great shot that left the keeper diving without a chance at the ball as it rippled the netting in the upper corner for a 1-0 lead.
Up two goals on aggregate with just over 45 minutes remaining it looked like Toronto would be able to cruise to the finish line, but being TFC they had to make it difficult on themselves. Just before the halftime whistle Andy Iro was whistled for a hand ball and Esteli had themselves a penalty. Manuel Rosas blasted the penalty home and the match was tied at 1-1.
The second half began was Esteli just one goal away from forcing extra time, but Toronto ended any drama quickly. An awful clearance by goalkeeper Carlos Mendieta made for an easy Johnson finish and the Reds were on their way to victory. They held on the rest of the way and a spot in the grou stage was theirs.
TFC will join Mexican side Pumas, Panamanian side Tauro and the winner of FC Dallas and El Salvador’s Alianza FC in Group C. They will play Tauro in their group stage opener on August 18 in Panama.
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