Santos Laguna had the look of a team capable of erasing a two-goal deficit and beating a defending champion, but Monterrey ultimately played like a champion that had no interest in relinquishing their title.
Santos jumped all over Monterrey in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Final series on Wednesday, but Monterrey midfielder Neri Cardozo spoiled the comeback with a decisive second-half goal that gave the Rayados the series and their second straight CONCACAF title.
The match started out completely in Santos Laguna's favor, with the home side peppering Monterrey's goal with dangerous chances. Unfortunately for the Guerreros, Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco was up to the task, making a handful of world-class saves before finally conceding a goal just before halftime.
Santos found a second goal early in the second half, but were unable to maintain momentum. Monterrey ultimately took control, with the help of second-half substitute Walter Ayovi, who provided some much-needed energy for the visitors. Ayovi helped set up the 82nd-minute winner when Cardozo ran onto a pass from him and beat Oswaldo Sanchez for the series-clinching goal.
Herculez Gomez didn't start the match for Santos Laguna, but came on in the second half.
The victory books a place in the Club World Cup for Monterrey for the second straight year.
Here are the match highlights:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxLNemfVYtA]
What did you think of the match? Impressed with Monterrey? Disappointed with Santos Laguna's inability to win a final?
Share your thoughts below.
They actually played pretty good. They just could not score missed a few chances. Oh and their captain missed the first penalty kick after overtime. The question is if Suazo will still be in the team (he did want to leave this year).
Henry is still one of the greatest players anywhere, but Suazo cannot be far behind. Monterrey was impressive even without their star player.
Congrats to the Conca-Champs…As the US gets stronger, so does our region.
Represent Well
Europe blows except for a few teams
Bornstein does not play for Monterrey. He is playing Tigres, the other team of the city.
Jonathan Bornstein can say he “played” on a Concacaf Champions League Champion team!!
Is he still with the team???
Seattle beat both teams involved in the final, which, as a totally biased observer, is very impressive.
Monterrey is the team to beat. Very small consolation that a second string Seattle Sounders beat them in Monterrey.
Next year’s CCL can NOT start soon enough, I enjoyed all the games, except the last 20 minutes of Seattle-Santos.
Whats is monterreys payroll something like 25 million
this team is setting them selves up to be a Massive team in the region and in the americas
Just look at the stadiums they are building
Best stadium in Mexico by miles when its complete
its very euro looking
Toronto needs to hire this guy lol
Toronto needs to hire this guy LOL
I would rather Santos have won but have to agree Monterrey played a good match. Let’s hope they represent well in the CWC. Why did they do badly last year? Anyone know? Did they take the other team for granted? Illness? Or were they just outplayed?
At this point, i would say Suazo. Henry has world class technique and know-how, but it doesn’t seem like he’s got much in the tank when you’re watching him.
Suazo has an unbelievable workrate paired with quality skill. Even though he hasn’t played in Europe besides a 6 month loan deal to Zaragoza, I think his goalscoring record for club and country (21 goals in 50 appearances, mostly against other difficult south american competition) speak for themselves.
It will be easier to cheer for Monterrey at the CWC this year since they didn’t arrive there by beating an MLS team in the final. I genuinely hope they show better as representatives of CONCACAF.
This is a broad statement. Why?, because if its based off a players individual ability, i woud say Henry, but based of what the player has done for their team, its by far Suazo.
Monterrey’s coach has won all 13 finals his teams have played.
Just for a point of reference, do people think Henry at this point in his career is a better player than Suazo?