MLS sides open CCL Quarterfinal play

CONCACAF Champions League resumed this week with Quarterfinals of the 2011-12 edition of the confederation's club championship. All three remaining MLS entrants were in action Wednesday night with reigning three-time US Open Cup champion Seattle Sounders winning, 2-1, at home versus Mexico's Santos Laguna and the Nutrilite Canadian Championship winners Toronto FC playing to a 2-2 draw against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Playing in the tournament courtesy of winning the 2010 edition of the US Open Cup, the Sounders led at the half, 1-0, courtesy of David Estrada despite four starters arriving late due to traffic congestion. Former USL First Division Sounder and US international Herculez Gomez tallied in the second half to equalize the contest only to see Brad Evans struck in the 63rd for a 2-1 lead heading into the second leg.

Toronto FC, however, were unable to hold onto their lead in the earlier of the two contests. Up 2-0 early on goals from Ryan Johnson and Luis Silva in the first 17 minutes, the Canadian club could not hold onto the advantage as the Galaxy roared back. Landon Donovan found Sean Franklin, who whipped a cross to Mike Magee in the 22nd minute. Donovan later struck for the equalizer himself with two minutes remaining.

On the other side of the bracket, defending CCL champion Monterrey won 3-1 on the road versus fellow Mexican side Morelia Tuesday evening. The final first leg quarterfinal contest is Thursday evening as Mexico's Pumas travels to El Salvador to play Metapan.