Recap & Highlights: Toronto FC eliminated from Champions League contention in 1-0 defeat to Cruz Azul
In the end, the best team in Liga MX was a class above Chris Armas’ Reds.
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Toronto FC could not find the miracle comeback, falling 1-0 to Cruz Azul 4-1 on aggregate ending their CONCACAF Champion’s League campaign.
Coming into the second leg, Toronto FC had found themselves once again in no man’s land. Strategically, their high-press had proven premature and somewhat stagnant against Cruz Azul, and in terms of starters, the lack of a complete phalanx has led to an unevenness in execution. Worst of all, the diffident defence has been a stinging reminder of TFC’s seemingly unconquerable weakness over many seasons.
Champions League: 5 takeaways from Toronto FC’s first leg defeat to Cruz Azul
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TORONTO, Canada–Toronto FC has a mammoth task ahead of them following a 3-1 first leg “home” defeat to six-time CONCACAF Champions League winners Cruz Azul.
The first leg result means that TFC will need to win the return fixture in Mexico by a goal margin of at least three in order to progress on aggregate. If Toronto wins 4-2, they would advance via away goals, but seeing as the Reds have not scored four in a game since July 2020, that scoreline seems like quite the stretch considering the calibre of their opponent. Moreover, Chris Armas and co. will need a performance like no other if they are to set up a semifinal clash against either Monterrey or Columbus Crew.
Recap & Highlights: Toronto FC fall 3-1 to commanding Cruz Azul wakingthered.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from wakingthered.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
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TORONTO, Canada After dispatching Club León in the first knockout round, Toronto FC will now face the current Liga MX leaders Cruz Azul in the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League quarter-finals.
TFC are the “hosts” in the first leg and will play this game at a location in Florida still to be determined. Kickoff is set for 10:00 pm EST on Tuesday, April 27, with OneSoccer airing this match along with all the other CCL quarter-final ties.
Cruz Azul are one of three Mexican teams left in the tournament following their 8-0 mauling of Haitian side Arcahaie in the second leg of their round of 16 contest (the first leg finished goalless). El Azul will be gunning for a seventh overall title, with their last triumph coming in 2014 when they beat fellow Mexican side Toluca in the final on away goals.