Reggae Boy on target in Panama

PANAMA CITY (CMC):

Reggae Boy Ryan Johnson's early goal put Toronto FC on course for victory but they were forced to stave off a late challenge before coming away with a 2-1 victory over Tauro in their first-round CONCACAF Champions League Group Stage clash here Thursday.

One of Toronto's 10 recent signings, Johnson scored in the 21st minute with Julian De Guzman adding a second three minutes later, to put the visitors in charge of the first-leg contest at Estadio Rommel Fernández Gutiérrez.

Unbeaten in six games

However, Luis Moreno hit back from the spot 14 minutes from the end but Toronto did well to hold on and come away with full points.

The victory was the fourth for Toronto in six outings and it moved their unbeaten streak to six. They face Tauro in the return leg on September 20.

Johnson got on the scoresheet thanks to a defensive blunder by Tauro defender Reinel Herrera who mis-hit a clearance, allowing the 26-year-old to pounce and hit a powerful volley past goalkeeper Alvaro Anzola.

Tauro had hardly recovered when they let in a second courtesy of a howler from Anzola. De Guzman smashed a long-range shot which the keeper failed to negotiate properly and it hit his feet before rolling into the net.

The home side then pressed for their opener, putting Toronto under severe pressure at times but failing to convert.

Manuel Vargas and Temi Perez, both first half substitutes, pulled the strings for Tauro and midfielder Diego Canali almost pulled one back in the 38th minute but had his effort cleared off the line.

Canali threatened again in the 54th but had his shot pushed wide and seconds later, set up Juan Barrera whose header was also narrowly off target.

Tauro got on the scoresheet when De Guzman brought down Carlos Rodriguez, and Moreno converted from the spot and Toronto survived tense moments at the end before emerging with full points.