CARSON, Calif -- The LA Galaxy were knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League tonight by Toronto FC as the Reds held on for a 2-1 victory (4-3 on aggregate). This is the second loss in a row for the LA Galaxy at the Home Depot Center, and the third straight game where they've give up at least two goals. Knockout week claimed another MLS victim, as the Seattle Sounders were also eliminated tonight. Toronto FC are the only remaining MLS club, although they qualifying through the Canadian Championship.
The Galaxy qualified for the 2011-12 CONCACAF Champions League by winning the Supporter's Shield in 2010. That makes this the last legacy of that Galaxy squad. As a result of winning the 2011 MLS Cup, they will be in the 2012-13 Champions League.
The Galaxy went into halftime already down 1-0. Ryan Johnson's header put Toronto FC up, but surprisingly that was Toronto's only shot on goal that half. The Galaxy had many more attempts, but their efforts were wrapped up in controversy. A Mike Magee goal was called back because of offside, an Edson Buddle run was ended due to a handball. As well as the Galaxy played in the first half, and as much as they were able to control possession, their finishing in the final third was lacking.
In the second half, things drew level after Ty Harden of Toronto slid with Robbie Keane to block the attempt on a Sean Franklin cross, but ended up scoring an own goal. At 1-1, the Galaxy would be through to the next round. However, Toronto remained opportunistic on the counter, and put in their second and final goal of the match in the 67th minute. Nick Soolsma with a shot underneath Josh Saunders put Toronto back in the drivers seat.
The Galaxy still made attempts to draw level. Robbie Keane had two great chances with only the keeper to beat. One, on a Mike Magee no look header pass, was shot right at the keeper. The second, Robbie stuttered but Milos Kocic didn't bite, and was able to make the save with his trailing hand.
The Galaxy outshot Toronto 14-7 by CONCACAF's count, but ESPN has it 8-5. The more important fact is that both teams had two shots on target. Toronto converted both of theirs, and Robbie Keane failed to convert both of his. Toronto only had one corner kick the whole match, and it came at the end.
This loss can't be chalked up to fatigue. Toronto were the better team in the part of the pitch that puts numbers on the scoreboard. Now the Galaxy focus on MLS play, until the next cycle of CONCACAF play begins again in late summer.