Toronto FC opens Champions League with a 5-1 win

Toronto FC forward Ryan Johnson (right) heads the ball during first half CONCACAF soccer action in Toronto on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012. (The Canadian Press/Nathan Denette)

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The Canadian Press
Published Wednesday, August 1, 2012 10:52PM EDT

TORONTO -- Toronto FC had a hot start to its CONCACAF Champions League run on Wednesday, blowing out El Salvador's Club Deportivo Aguila 5-1 at BMO Field.

Reggie Lambe scored twice, while Luis Silva, Terry Dunfield and Ryan Johnson also scored for the Reds before a dismal crowd of 5,324.

Toronto temporarily leads its three-team group with three points. Mexico's Santos Laguna opens play at home to Aguila on Aug. 21.

After missing a connecting flight and spending the night in a Miami airport, Aguila didn't arrive in Toronto until a few hours before kickoff.

Toronto just missed tying a franchise record for most goals in a game, which was set with a 6-1 win over the Montreal Impact in the 2009 Canadian club championship.

Since only the group winner advances to quarter-final play, this was considered a must-win game for Toronto.