Mike Ehrmann
Toluca gave away a penalty late, but they're headed home with a lead, thanks to a first half flurry and a great performance by goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera.
A questionable penalty call has Chivas heading into the second leg of their Liguilla tie against Toluca with a chance to advance, but they're still in a massive hole. Two early goals, along with a great goalkeeper by Alfredo Talavera has the Red Devils heading home up 2-1, and they'll be heavy favorites to advance with two away goals and the higher seed tiebreaker.
Antonio Rios netted the opener after 25 minutes, turning in a cross by Lucas Silva. Luis Tejada was pushed off the ball in the center of the box and might have had a legitimate penalty shout, but the ball ran through to the back post where Rios was there to finish. Five minutes later, Toluca captain Sinha scored on a fantastic 25-yard direct free kick, doubling his side's lead.
Rafael Marquez Lugo drew a penalty for Chivas in the 74th minute, going down easily after a challenge by Talavera, in which the Toluca goalkeeper won the ball cleanly well before making incidental contact with Lugo. The referee saw the incident differently and gave a penalty, which Lugo converted.
Chivas had nine shots on target on the night, but thanks to Talavera's play in net, their only goal came on a very soft penalty. Toluca was the third higher seed to win their opening match on the road in the Liguilla quarterfinals, potentially setting up a fantastic semifinal with the league's strongest sides.
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