The spirit was willing, but the summit too steep for Toronto FC on Tuesday night, as their 2019 Concacaf Champions League run shuddered to a premature close with a 1-1 draw at BMO Field vs. Club Atletico Independiente that wins the round-of-16 series for the Panamanians by a 5-1 aggregate scoreline.
Facing a daunting 4-0 series deficit thanks to their stunning collapse in Central America last week, the Reds started the evening brightly, completely dominating the early stages with assertive play assisted by sub-freezing temperatures. Homegrown Jordan Hamilton headed the hosts into a deserved lead that fueled hopes of an unlikely comeback.
TFC’s finishing nous deserted them the rest of the way, however, as they failed to convert an array of opportunities, including via several sterling saves by CAI goalkeeper Jose Guerra.
Their already-long odds grew further as the second half ticked away, but another miscue by offseason signing Laurent Ciman effectively clinched victory for the visitors. The Belgian center back handed Omar Browne a breakaway when he misplayed a header, flicking the ball into space behind the TFC back line, and Browne dispatched the chance clinically, rounding Alex Bono to net a timely away goal.
Goals
- 19′ – TOR – Jordan Hamilton
- 67′ – CAI – Omar Browne
Three Things
Next Up
- TOR: Saturday, March 2 at Philadelphia (1 pm ET | TSN 1/4, MLS LIVE on ESPN+)
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