Toronto confident heading to Mexico with 2-1 edge

TORONTO It speaks volumes about where Toronto FC is at these days that the reigning MLS champions are looking forward to tackling Mexican heavyweight Tigres UANL on the road next week.

The fact that Toronto will arrive at Tigres’ 42,000-capacity Estadio Universitario next Tuesday with an edge after Wednesday’s 2-1 win at BMO Field helps. And while Mexico has been a graveyard for MLS teams over the years, TFC believes it has the goods to finish off the Liga MX champion and advance to the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League semifinal.

“We’re confident,” said Toronto midfielder Jonathan Osorio, whose 89th-minute highlightreel goal decided the first leg of the two-game aggregate series. “Our objective was to leave here with a lead ... We’re excited. We’re excited to go there and protect that lead.”

For the 25,587 at BMO Field, the star-studded contest did not disappoint. An enthralling clash of champions built from a slow burn in the first half to all action in the second with a sting in the game’s tail courtesy of an audacious Osorio backheel.

Toronto will head south full of confidence, full value for the win after outshooting its Mexican opposition 12-3 (4-1 in shots on goal) in the second half when all three goals were scored. Tigres, meanwhile, will hope its away goal will play its part in the rematch.