MEXICO CITY– The Impact would probably have been satisfied to return to Montreal with a goal abroad, but now may be ultimately disappointed to leave Mexico with a 1-1 tie after facing Club America on Wednesday, in the first leg of the final CONCACAF Champions League matchup.

The Impact’s Ignacio Piatti scored in the 16th minute and the Impact seemed then to be able to bend without breaking.

Oribe Peralta finally tied the game at the 89th minute.
   
The Impact will now need a win or a 0-0 tie in the second leg at the Olympic Stadium next Wednesday to earn a spot at the FIFA Club World Cup.

The match took place at the legendary Estadio Azteca in Mexico, which can accommodate 105,000 spectators.

With a defence led by Laurent Ciman, the Impact did its best to thwart the powerful offensive machine that is Club America, but eventually faltered late in the game.

Despite the goal, goalkeeper Evan Bush had an outstanding match with eight saves, including several spectacular plays.

The Impact now benefit from a week off to prepare for the second leg, to be played to a packed house of 59,020 spectators at Olympic Stadium.

It will attempt to become the first MLS team to win the CONCACAF  Champions League since the league’s creation in 2008-09.

Club America will play a league match against Guadalajara on Sunday before travelling to Montreal.