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Toronto FC reaches 1st CCL final after hard-fought draw at Estadio Azteca

REUTERS/Henry Romero

Toronto FC clinched a place in the CONCACAF Champions League final after seeing off Liga MX behemoth Club America by a 4-2 aggregate scoreline Tuesday.

Jonathan Osorio calmly scored the opening goal of the contest at Mexico City's historic Estadio Azteca. A combination of Alex Bono's majestic goalkeeping, generous on-pitch bobbles, and a lack of bite from the host made it a relatively comfortable match until Mateus Uribe pocketed a penalty in injury time.

Club America didn't take this fixture lightly. Fans who attended the weekend's meeting with Cruz Azul were granted free access to the stadium, and the game was promoted heavily on Las Aguilas' social media channels. Toronto FC didn't seem intimidated by those in attendance, and by the second half, the Reds appeared at ease in their surroundings.

It must also be noted that Toronto FC overcame Club America without some of its most noteworthy players. Victor Vazquez, Chris Mavinga, and Justin Morrow were unavailable for the tie through injury, and Jozy Altidore was then forced off seven minutes into the second leg.

Bono was a popular pick for man of the match, but Drew Moor was influential at the back. The 34-year-old hasn't been overly convincing so far in the 2018 season, but he expertly marshaled the defense and put in a colossal individual performance.

The reigning MLS Cup champion will take on Chivas de Guadalajara in the two-legged showpiece later this month. Chivas beat the New York Red Bulls 1-0 on aggregate following a goalless draw in New Jersey earlier in the evening.

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