In what was deemed the worst start to a season they could have imagined, Toronto FC fell to Independiente 4-0 in the first Leg of the round of 16.
They had a a huge mountain to climb going into the second leg, but the reds hoped for a little magic and a few miracles at the BMO Field to salvage their CONCACAF Champions League campaign.
The second all-time meeting between Toronto FC and Independiente began in freezing temperatures.
TFC did move more in possession compared to the first leg. Their attack brought them a goal from Jordan Hamilton, Toronto’s very own, in the 19th minute courtesy of a nice header set up by Justin Morrow.
TFC had chance after chance, but at the end of the day they fell short. They did make the Panamanian keeper work hard to fend his net, but in the 70th minute doom spilled for the reds. Independiente scored to seal the night off and to secure their place in the next round.
The result means Toronto FC are out of the 2019 CONCACAF Champions League after falling to a 5-1 aggregate defeat against Independiente.
In other news TFC have signed striker Jozy Altidore to a contract extension until 2022. The Reds can now solely focus on the 2019 MLS season.
2019 Concacaf Champions League- Round of 16, Leg 2
Toronto Fc vs Independiente
BMO Field- Toronto
February 26- 8pm ET
Lineups:
Toronto FC 4-4-2
Bono
Morrow
Mavinga
Ciman
Auro JR.
Bradley ©
Osorio
DeLeon
Hamilton
Akinola
Independiente 4-4-1-1
Guerra
Gomez
Torres
Caballero
Quintero
Zuniga
Cocanegra
Bolivar
Belgrave
Gonzalez
Aguilar
STATS:
Shots: TOR 28, CAI 6
Shots on target : TOR 10 , CAI 3
Possession: TOR 75%, CAI 25%
Fouls: TOR 14, CAI 13