CONCACAF Champions League – Match Recaps – 28 August 2012
Santos defeated Toronto FC at BMO Field and Alajuelense won on the road at Real Esteli in the CONCACAF Champions League on August 28, 2012.
Toronto FC 1-3 Santos
It was a devastating loss for TFC as their hopes of advancing to the next round likely ended. Santos, the Group 1 favorites, are unbeaten and have six points through two matches.
Santos were strong throughout the match and easily could have scored several more goals. They took a 1-0 lead in a Carlos Darwin Quintero goal but TFC did reply with a 68th minute Quincy Amarikwa strike. Quintero scored with a powerful shot from a wide angle while Amarikwa capitalized on Santos failing to clear a free kick.
The momentum did stay with TFC as Santos continued to expose their back line. They were initially denied by the post but Daniel Luduena would score in the 90th minute to make it 1-2. Only moments later, Candido Ramirez Montes added to the lead when TFC were caught on a counterattack.
TFC will probably need to win all their remaining matches (including at Santos) to have any chance of winning Group 1. Santos will be heavily favored to win all of their remaining Group Stage matches and a serious contender to win the entire competition.
| 49′ | 0 – 1 | Carlos Darwin Quintero | |
| 68′ | Quincy Amarikwa | 1 – 1 | |
| 90′ | 1 – 2 | Daniel Ludueña | |
| 90′ | 1 – 3 | Candido Ramirez Montes |
Real Esteli 0-1 Alajuelense
Alajuenlense moved into a tie for first place in Group 6 with a crucial away victory. The visitors appeared to take an early first half lead but the goal was not allowed because of offsides. Later in the first half, Esteli had a golden opportunity when the goalkeeper came off his line and failed to clear the ball. This left a wide open net but the shot from a tough angle rolled past the far post.
Both teams continued to have very good chances as Alajuelense were denied by the crossbar and Esteli had a goal disallowed due to offsides. The match winner was scored by Allen Guevara Zuniga in the 41st minute when he headed in a cross to the far post.
Neither team would convert any of their second half chances as Real Esteli has yet to score a goal in two Group Stage matches.
| 41′ | 0 – 1 | Allen Guevara Zúniga |
