TORONTO (CBC) - Somebody forgot to tell Toronto FC and Pachuca that it was just supposed to be an exhibition game because it had all the intensity of an international cup competition.

After playing to a 1-1 tie following 90 minutes of regulation time, the Mexican side won 4-3 in a penalty shootout, breaking the hearts of Toronto FC and the 18,079 fans in attendance at BMO Field on Saturday night.

Toronto goalkeeper Brian Edwards made two saves in the shootout, but he couldn't stop Edwin Borboa from scoring the decisive goal to lift the Mexicans to victory.

"I thought the guys were terrific tonight against a very good side. It's always disappointing to lose, but I can't fault the players for their effort or the quality they showed," Toronto assistant coach Chris Cummins told reporters after the game.

"I thought the young guys worked hard," added Toronto captain Jim Brennan, who ballooned his shot over the crossbar in the shootout.

Saturday's game proved a solid test for an improving Toronto club looking to make Major League Soccer's playoffs after winning just six games in its inaugural season a year ago.

Pachuca, the oldest professional soccer club in Mexico, is one of the top teams in North America, having won the CONCACAF Champions League three times (2002, 2007 and 2008) and the 2006 Copa Sudamericana, the South American version of Europe's UEFA Cup.

Toronto coach John Carver employed an experimental lineup, using the exhibition game as an opportunity to give some of his youngsters playing time, while resting no less than seven starters, including top scorer Danny Dichio.

The absence of the team's veterans was evident. Countless errant passes were made by Toronto's makeshift team, the chemistry in midfield wasn't there and the attack lacked a cutting edge.

16-year-old makes FC debut

Forward Abdus Ibrahim, one month shy of his 17th birthday, made his debut in a Toronto uniform since being acquired in a trade with FC Dallas last month. Ibrahim showed promise, but the kid still has a lot to learn - like timing his runs properly and effectively linking up with his teammates.

Pachuca used its speed and quick passing game to keep the Toronto defence on its toes. Damian Alvarez proved hard to contain thanks to his probing runs and deft touch on the ball, as well as setting up fellow forward Christian Gimenez.

Toronto held firm, though, and carved out a pair of scoring chances late in the half. French midfielder Laurent Robert unleashed a shot from inside his half that backtracking Pachuca goalkeeper Miguel Calero managed to just tip over the crossbar.

Moments later, Robert's free kick whizzed by the post.

Toronto pressured Pachuca at the start of the second half, but it was the Mexicans who broke the deadlock in the 60th minute. Gimenez played a short pass through the Toronto defence and into the box for Christian Correa who slotted it past Edwards.

Nine minutes later the game was tied. Robert delivered a swerving corner kick deep into the Pachuca box that rookie defender Julius James slammed home with a powerful header.

The Canadian team had the momentum and nearly took the lead with eight minutes left in regulation time. Youngster Tyler Hemming burst down the right and played a perfect pass into the middle for Jeff Cunningham, but the veteran forward's shot trickled just wide of the far post.

With the score tied 3-3 in the shootout, Cunningham and Kevin Harmse failed to convert their penalties, leaving the way open for Borboa to emerge as the hero for Pachuca.

Toronto has a hectic schedule over the next 10 days.

The team travels to Vancouver to take on the Whitecaps on July 9 in a crucial Canadian Champions League game (CBCSports.ca, 10 p.m. ET) and returns to MLS action with a road contest against the Chicago Fire on July 12.

Toronto then comes home for another international exhibition game on July 15, against Argentine club Independiente.

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