The Montreal Impact knocked 3-time champion Pachuca out of the CONCACAF Champions League
Laurent Ciman took down German Cano in the 79th minute, and Cano converted the PK to give Pachuca a 1-0 lead in the match and a 3-2 lead on aggregate. But Cameron Porter’s goal at the absolute death of stoppage time, off a viciously-precise long ball from Calum Mallace, gave Montreal the win on away goals.
Montreal has ensured that Major League Soccer will have at least one semifinalist in this season’s CONCACAF Champions League after a year out of the final four, while giving Canada its first semifinalist since Toronto FC in 2011-12.
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The Impact entered the night with a 2-2 advantage via away goals from last week’s match in Mexico. Through good work from keeper Evan Bush, their lifeline remained in tact all night, even with late first half and early second half danger from the visitors.
Ignacio Piatti nearly made a big difference with a left-footed shot late, but it rolled wide of the goal. Moments later, Ciman was wrestling with Cano in the box, and the Mexican striker hit the deck once the Impact defender got his arm around him.
Justin Mapp’s late curling free kick was nearly headed into goal by Donny Toia.
But Porter. Porter! An almost unbelievable long ball from Calum Mallace found Porter’s run inside the 18, and he classily poked a shot past Pachuca’s keeper.
Watch this thing:
Who will join Montreal? There are a pair of matches on Wednesday and the semifinalists will be set by Thursday night.
Weds - Alajuelense at DC United (DCU trails 5-2)
Weds - Saprissa at America (Saprissa trails 3-0)
Thurs - Olimpia at Herediano (First leg ended 1-1)