Photo Credit: CONCACAF
Liga MX side Pachuca were a surprised by visiting Montreal Impact going down 2-0 in the first leg match of the CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) quarterfinals. The Mexican side fought back to earn a 2-2 draw.
The draw was labeled as “Historic” by the Impact being the first Canadian side to be able to get a result in Mexico.
“For our first match in 2015, it’s a very good result. We played against a very good team and two goals scored on the road in Mexico are very good,” said head coach Frank Klopas. “They did not know much about us before tonight, but it will be different in the second leg. The mentality and work ethic have been great. I am happy with the performance of the group. We played as a team tonight. It was also nice to see the fans that made the trip.”
Two goals from Dilly Duka (25th and 53rd) got the Canadians the dream start to the series. “The coaching staff did a great job in bringing us for two weeks here prior to this game. Fitness was not an issue at all,” said Duka. “We have a fresh team and it’s a fresh start with a group of leaders with experience and young players.”
Defender Donny Toia saved the ball just before it went out for a throw in and played Dilly Duka, who was streaking down the left flank on the counter attack. After cutting inside to take on two players, Duka placed a low shot opposite side, catching Pachuca keeper Oscar Perez on his wrong foot in the 25th minute of play.
Heriberto Olvera brought Pachuca within one goal when he blasted a 25-yard free kick into the back of the net only four minutes after the Duka brace.
Second half substitute Ariel Nahuelpan found a tap in in the 68th minute when a ball was played inside the box that found the Argentine striker off of a favorable bounce.
Second leg match is scheduled for next Tuesday March 3rd at 8:00pm EST / 5:00pm PST at the Olympic Stadium.
Mexico
MLS
