Posted by Robin Kilgore

Robin Kilgore
World Football Daily Correspondent

On Tuesday night, Toronto FC opened up their CONCACAF Champions League group stage games against Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul. It was a beautiful night for North American football. The sunset was majestic as colors of blue, purple and orange filled the sky. A strong wind was blowing and conditions on the field were a little crisp but comfortable.

It was obvious that TFC had a height advantage. Defenders Adrian Cann and Maksim Usmanov towered over the Mexican front line. But with starters Chad Barret and Maicon out due to injury, Coach Preki was confident his team had more than just height to their advantage. O'Brian White and Mista started up front with Captain Dwayne DeRosario running the midfield.

From the opening whistle, Toronto controlled the game. After only three minutes, Martin Saric headed in the opening goal, his first for the club, thoroughly shocking the Mexican side which was unprepared for the ball that was bouncing along in the six yard box. It was an excellent start to the game that set the tone for the rest of the first half.

Immediately, Toronto kept pressing the ball up field. One minute after the goal, O'Brian White found some open space a took a shot, but it went wide of the goal.

As the first half went on, it was clear Toronto were the stronger side. Whether Cruz Azul underestimated their opponents from the north was uncertain, but they were clearly frustrated with the few scoring opportunities they had in the first half . Toronto FC defender Maksim Usmanov was tremendous in the back making strong tackles and hindering the forwards from pressing the ball into the box. In the 40th minute, Toronto goal keeper Jon Conway saved a shot from Alejandro Vela that was aimed at the bottom right of the net. It wasn't the strongest of strikes but Conway reacted quickly to parry the ball and deny them an opportunity to tie the game.

Minutes later, Toronto pressed the ball downfield. As Raivis Hscanovics controlled the ball down the left side, he passed to a wide open Mista on the edge of the box who settled the ball with his right foot and quickly fired with his left. The keeper was able to get a hand , but it wasn't enough as the ball rolled its way to the back of the net. This was Mista's first goal for the club and at the end of the first half it was Toronto ahead 2-nil.

Cruz Azul coach Enrique Meza made two substitutions at the half, including Mexican National Gerardo Torrado and Christian Gimenez. In the 55th, they had their best opportunity as Gimenez fired a long range strike from about 8 yards outside the box. Goalkeeper Conway launched himself to his right and was able to safely and effectively deflect the ball for a corner.

The Toronto defense was unrelenting in the second half as the Cruz Azul forwards worked to get on the scoreboard. Fouls started flying from both teams as the game wore on. Two yellow cards for the visitors in the last 15 minutes and one for TFC substitute Jacob Peterson were given.

It wasn't until the 89th minute when the Mexicans finally broke through and hit the net. A free kick by Christian Gimenez was struck outside the box and bounced off the post to give them their first goal. Jon Conway covered the left side of the goal, and had his four teammates set up a wall to cover the right side. Unfortunately, the wall didn't jump and the ball sailed just over Adrian Cann's head.

Dwayne De Rosorio was yellow carded deep into stoppage time but the Reds were able to hold on and secure their first Champions League win in front of over 16,000 fans.

This win takes TFC's home field unbeaten record to 14 straight games in all competitions. Next they welcome Theirry Henry and the New York Red Bulls to BMO Field for a league match on Saturday afternoon. The Reds look to avenge their recent loss to NY which ended 1-0.

The current Toronto squad is a strong team, built on a beautiful foundation located at BMO Field nestled west of downtown and against the harbour front of Lake Ontario. A rainbow colored sunset filled the sky over the red and white stands while the fans filed in. TFC fans are extremely passionate and are dedicated to the success of the club that rival all the major European clubs. A yell leader guided the scarf adorned supporters groups through a myriad of cheers and songs through out the match that could be heard for kilometers outside the stadium. This match was a pleasure for this Los Angeleno to attend.