FC Dallas only needed a draw against Toronto FC to advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League, but that didn't look line a possibility after the first 30 minutes of the game. Brek Shea put in a brilliant first half performance for FCD, but he was the only player who appeared to bring anywhere near his best for the home side. Winger Joao Plata put on a show for TFC, notching a two goals in an assist in a brilliant performance, as TFC defeated an abysmal Dallas team 3-0 to advance to the knockout stage.
FC Dallas Vs. Toronto FC, 2011 CONCACAF Champions League: Full Time, TFC Advances As Joao Plata Puts On A Show
In the 28th minute, Julian de Guzman played a great through ball to Plata, who cut the ball back for Danny Kovermans. He didn't make the best of his first shooting opportunity as Kevin Hartman saved easily, but no one was able to clear the rebound. Kovermans finished his second chance, giving TFC a 1-0 lead. Dallas looked strangely defeated, but complacent in their defeat. At 1-0 down. Against a poor team. At home. In the 28th minute.
Plata would add two goals of his own in the second half, scoring with great finishes in the 69th and 80th minute. Dallas hardly bothered to show up for the second half, and it would have been hard to imagine a scenario before the match in which Toronto FC would win so easily.
TFC now sit on top of Group C and await the result of the Tauro-UNAM Pumas match to see if they will finish first or second in the group.
For more on the game and the two teams, check out FC Dallas blog Big D Soccer and Toronto FC blog Waking The Red.
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