When FC Dallas made history last week by beating UNAM Pumas in CONCACAF Champions League play, becoming the first MLS team to win an official match in Mexico in the process, the question immediately became how long would it take for another MLS to pull off the feat.
It took less than a week.
The Seattle Sounders took on a full-strength Monterrey side in Mexico on Tuesday night and managed to contain the defending CONCACAF Champions League winners and their high-powered offense. Alvaro Fernandez scored a first-half goal for the Sounders and goalkeeper Terry Boss posted the shutout as Seattle recorded a 1-0 victory in Monterrey.
Seattle rode a beautiful Fernandez goal, set-up by a perfect pass from Pat Noonan, to take a first-half lead, then it was up to the Sounders defense and Boss to help the lead stand up. Monterrey poured on the pressure in the second half, and came close on several occasions, but never could break through.
The loss was Monterrey's first at home in CONCACAF Champions League play and the victory moved the Sounders into first place in their Champions League group.
Here are the match highlights:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxaHsh3Wwh8]
What did you think of Seattle's victory? Can you see the Sounders winning their group? Looking forward to the rematch at CenturyLink Field?
Share your thoughts below.
if the Mexican League isn’t way better than MLS then why dont we see aging MLS stars finding paydays there when they lose a step? But it’s always the other way around. Blanco, Bravo…hmmm : )
I wouldn’t say FMF is clearly above MLS in quality. Yes, they have better attacking players up front and midfield. But in defense and goalkeeping, MLS wins hands down.
I agree that a higher payroll provides a big advantage to Mexican teams, but they also have to overpay for talent. As Jason said, the US is a much more attractive destination. Mexico is a wonderful country to visit, but living and working there is a different matter. After Cabana incident, international players think twice before moving to Mexico. Big stars like Beckham or Henry would not move to Mexico unless a deal of Eto-Anzhi type is offered.
+1
The current CBA expires in 3 years. Here’s hoping they at least triple the cap, putting us at $9 million. Still less than top Mexican leagues, but enough to level the field…especially since the States are a more attractive destination than Mexico to most internationals.
Not sure it’s the Sounders that should be nervous. Keep in mind that if the Sounders are locked into a playoff spot by the rematch they might actually be able to play some more starters…Hurtado, Friberg, Rosales, Keller, Alonso, Montero.
Moreover, Seattle is now in position to make the rematch meaningless: take care of business against some lesser teams between now and then and passage out of group play will be guaranteed regardless.
liking what we’re seeing from the league’s teams so far. agree with the point that the expanded rosters are giving the MLS teams more opportunity to compete in the format of this competition.
off to this strong start for MLS teams, now must keep pressing the advantages earned!