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“(In Canada) the cold freezes their ways of thinking,” a confident Martinez told reporters, adding Tigres will do its “talking” on the pitch this week instead of in newspapers and media.

They certainly have some explaining to do following TFC’s stunning comeback victory.

Tigres, Tijuana and Chivas were scrutinized after the Liga MX trio fell to MLS opposition in their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal meetings.

Mexican sports magazine RECORD was far more harsh than the Sun, using its front page to call the results “insulting and unacceptable” for a league and country that prides itself on continental supremacy.

Last week wasn’t just about Tigres-TFC or Tijuana-Red Bulls or Chivas-Sounders. It was about Liga MX versus MLS, us versus them, an established league versus one deemed inferior.

“These Mexican clubs don’t like losing to MLS clubs. It’s that simple,” said long-time MLS and Liga MX striker Herculez Gomez. “(Toronto FC) might be a Canadian club, but (Liga MX clubs) equate MLS to American soccer. That rivalry is still there. They know it will be talked about.

“They know they’ll be scrutinized by the national press. Everyone knows Tigres is one of the most expensive rosters in North America. When they lose to an MLS team they don’t take it lightly.”

But competing at home has never been an issue for MLS clubs. Toronto FC defeated Cruz Azul at BMO Field back in 2010 before drawing Pumas a year later. Gomez’s Santos Laguna drew at BMO in 2012.