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Toronto FC advance to the Champions League Final

By Nick McAdam

MONTERREY, MEXICO - MARCH 13: Sebastian Giovinco of Toronto celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goalduring the quarterfinals second leg match between Tigres UANL and Toronto FC as part of the CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Universitario Stadium on March 13, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images)
MONTERREY, MEXICO - MARCH 13: Sebastian Giovinco of Toronto celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's second goalduring the quarterfinals second leg match between Tigres UANL and Toronto FC as part of the CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Universitario Stadium on March 13, 2018 in Monterrey, Mexico. (Photo by Azael Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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Toronto FC continue to amaze, as a 1-1 draw against Club America in Mexico was enough to send them through to the Champions League final.

The Reds still have it. Despite what their MLS record says, Toronto FC are now just one game away from adding more silverware to the trophy cabinet.

After a dominant 3-1 victory at BMO Field that was led by Sebastian Giovinco and Jozy Altidore, all Toronto needed was a draw to advance. A draw is what the North got, after a 1-1 tie in Mexico City.

Skipping ahead to the 12th minute, Jonathan Osorio gave another example of why he should be a regular in Greg Vanney’s lineup.

Auro, who has done his fair share to turn heads already in the campaign, started the action with a one-two-three pass between him, Marky Delgado and eventually Tosaint Ricketts, who squared for Osorio to tap into the empty net.

The momentum only lasted a matter of minutes, as a cross from the Mexican side met the head of Bruno Valdez. The defender banked it off of Eriq Zavaleta and into the Reds’ net, but it turns out that the 25-year-old was in an offside position.

Alex Bono received some doubt domestically as Clint Irwin put on a decent performance against Real Salt Lake. However, an inhuman save from the Syracuse graduate from a Martin Hex powerful header was enough to vanquish that doubt.

More heroics came from the 23-year-old, as another header from substitute Alejandro Liceaga was outstandingly tipped over the bar. The top of Bono’s fingertips literally prevented a goal here.

Michael Bradley made an unusual decision by his standards, to tackle Oribe Peralta in the box. The penalty was sent home by Mateus Unibe, but it was too little, too late for the Estadio Azteca to come back in the tie.

Man of the Match

No doubt that Bono will receive the honor from this fixture.

There was a huge period of time between each leg for the young keeper to lose focus of what’s ahead. However, Bono stayed on his toes throughout the 90 minutes to make seven miracle saves.

This has to help the confidence of the American. Domestic play hasn’t been a strong suite for Bono thus far, but his play in this one shows he can definitely perform, concentrate and compete.

Key Stats

Toronto FC

  • Eight shots
  • Two shots on target
  • 34 percent possession
  • Key Player: Alex Bono

Club America

  • 29 shots
  • Seven shots on target
  • 66 percent possession
  • Key Player: Renato Ibarra

Around the Champions League

Guadalajara, or Chivas, had the New York Red Bulls in a real stranglehold from the first leg. Despite some fight back from New York in the second leg, Chivas was still able to escape and as a result, will face TFC in the final.

  • Guadalajara 1-0 New York Red Bulls (First Leg)
  • Guadalajara 0-0 New York Red Bulls (Second Leg)

What’s next for the Reds?

Sure, it’s really nice to advance into another title situation. With playoffs coming for the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors finishing out a strong NBA season, it’s good to see the Reds perform no matter the audience numbers at the moment.

More from Toronto FC

However, a bit of work still needs to be done in MLS. Winning in the Champions League has only made scheduling a tad more awkward for the Reds recently. They do get back to the seven-day format, however, as they take on the Colorado Rapids on April 14.

Focus needs to be in the league for now. There should be plenty of time to discuss a gameplan for TFC trying to capture more silverware in their already impressive cabinet from this past year.

Want more Toronto FC coverage? Look no further than Tip of the Tower.

Next: TFC take a huge leap in win over Club America

What was your main takeaway from TFC’s game in Mexico City? Who was your man of the match, and why? What’s your prediction for the final? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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