Skip to content

Toronto FC begin CCL campaign with humiliating loss in Panama

NurPhoto / Getty

Toronto FC is going to need a miracle to reach the CONCACAF Champions League final for a second consecutive year.

Last season's finalists opened their 2019 CCL run with an embarrassing loss in Panama on Tuesday, as the Reds were pummeled 4-0 by Club Atletico Independiente de la Chorrera in the first leg of their last-16 clash.

TFC, playing their first competitive match of the new campaign, lacked both fitness and cohesion across the pitch. Without their star attacking trio of recent seasons - Sebastian Giovinco is now in Saudi Arabia, Victor Vazquez is plying his trade in Qatar, and Jozy Altidore was unavailable for the contest - TFC mustered little going forward; the Reds didn't record a shot on target against the CCL debutants.

Terrence Boyd, brought in from German club Darmstadt to help offset the losses of Giovinco and Vazquez, got his TFC career off to a horrid start when he fired a penalty over the bar midway through the opening half.

The real issues for the Canadian side were at the other end, though.

Romeesh Ivey and Omar Browne dominated down the flanks for the Panamanian club. The former found the net twice - in the 52nd and 78th minute - while the latter netted a stunner in the 48th minute.

Abdiel Ayarza had opened the scoring for the home side just nine minutes into the round of 16 fixture.

Club Atletico Independiente will take their commanding 4-0 aggregate lead to Toronto for the second leg of the tie, which is slated for Feb. 26.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox