Time is running out on Toronto FC and Pumas UNAM, the two CONCACAF Champions League semifinalists that look destined to go out after first legs that didn't go ideally. It was exceptionally bad for Pumas, who were dismantled by Monterrey, 3-0, but Toronto wasn't exactly exceptional, settling for a 1-1 draw at home despite finishing the match up a man.
CONCACAF Champions League Semifinals, Second Legs: Monterrey, Santos Laguna Sitting Pretty
The CONCACAF Champions League looks like it will have another all-Mexican final with Monterrey and Santos Laguna
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For Monterrey, the second leg against Pumas represents an opportunity to put themselves 180 minutes away from their second consecutive confederation championship. For Santos, the second leg offers a chance to get in position to win a trophy before making their Mexican Primera run. Most of all, Wednesday gives Mexico a chance to make its dominance clear once more as the nation looks to put two teams in the final yet again.
Santos Laguna vs. Toronto FC
The Reds were always a longshot to get past Santos, even before Torsten Frings went down injured. Without him, advancement might as well have been termed impossible for Toronto. They acquitted themselves well in the first leg, defending well and doing everything in their power to manage a 1-1 draw, but it was only a draw. Santos finished down a man in the Toronto cold; on the other side, the Reds managed only a draw, so what can they do on the road? Odds are that whatever they do, it won’t be enough.
Pumas UNAM vs. Monterrey
Is there a better strike partnership in the Americas right now than the one Monterrey has in Humberto Suazo and Aldo de Nigris? You would be hard-pressed to find any better and if you did find one, you'd be wrong. It's not as if Monterrey really needs them on Wednesday, though. They're ahead of Pumas, 3-0, and while they do have to go to Mexico City for the second leg, Pumas are such a mess right now that there is no chance they can piece together a comeback.
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