Using a mix of reserves and regulars, DC United made a big statement for Major League Soccer on Tuesday night, drawing 1-1 with Toluca in Mexico. DC went up in the 5th-minute when Chris Pontious scored, and that lead held until Israel Lopez converted a penalty for Toluca in the 60th. DC played very conservatively, scoring on one of two shots they took and the only one they put on frame. They now await the result of Marathon's game against San Juan Jabloteh on Thursday to see who advances in second-place in Group B. Toluca had already advanced as the group winner.
“It’s tough because it came down to the ref deciding the game," Pontious said. "We played our hearts out. It’s a difficult stadium to play in and it’s unfortunate that we did not come out with the result that we wanted. When you play that hard for 90 minutes you want to win and I thought we deserved to win today.”
In Group C, Columbus drew 1-1 with Puerto Rico at Juan Ramón Loubriel. Noah Delgado had the home side up in the 34th, with Columbus finally getting an equalizer through Emilio Renteria in the 74th minute. The result puts the Crew in the knockout stage as Group C runners-up. Group C winners Cruz Azul beat Saprissa 2-1 on Tuesday.
