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?
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