In a game they almost had to win to have any chance of advancing, Toronto FC set the tone for MLS clubs in the CONCACAF Champions League group stages last night by beating Cruz Azul 2-1. At home with a solid crowd behind them, the Reds punished the Mexicans for coming out slow and disinterested; the early goal was particularly indicative of that, when Maksim Usanov stayed with a ball on the touchline and headed it into the box. While Cruz Azul players stood around, the ball fell to Martin Saric, whose simple header put Toronto up 1-0.


The result was never certain, not even when Toronto took a 2-0 lead into the second half; sitting back a bit more, content letting Cruz Azul have most of the ball while they looked for breaks and defended their lead, TFC was just shaky enough to make it interesting. Christian Gimenez' free kick goal ratcheted up the tension slightly, but Toronto held on to the lead admirably, all the while dealing with poor officiating.


Because Courtney Campbell and his assistants made mistakes all over the pitch, too often buying the Mexicans' dives, and failing to deal with Gerardo Torrado putting his hands to the throat of Dwayne DeRosario in the final minutes. The game took on a chippy edge in the last quarter, when the Mexicans realized they were running out of time to erase their deficit.


Not that Toronto fans will care how it was done.


Toronto's win hardly guarantees that MLS teams will actually do something in this tournament this time around, but it is a strong first step. Of the MLS teams in the tournament, Toronto is a side with some of the lower expectations; TFC's win always ramps up pressure on Real Salt Lake to win at home when they face Arabe Unido.


Winning on the road, particularly in Mexico, will be difficult for both RSL and TFC. If each can put three home points in their pockets after the first round of play, they'll at least give themselves a fighting change to advance.


As always, MLS teams must balance their CCL aspirations, if they have them, with their league campaign; RSL and Columbus look headed for the playoffs, but Seattle and TFC aren't yet comfortable.


For a detailed report on the TFC win, go here.