In an 18-team league, Club America and Monterrey both finished among the top 10 in total points during the 2012-2013 Liga MX season.
Charging through multiple postseason matches, the two clubs advanced to the semis, where they'd meet each other for the first time since January 5th.
Last night in front of 32,000 fans at the Estadio Tecnologico, Club America and Monterrey played to a 2-2 draw in the first leg of what is expected to be an extremely physical and tight semifinal series.
Humberto Suazo started the scoring frenzy in the 29th-minute when he blew one past America goal-keeper Moises Munoz from the top of the box, giving Monterrey an early advantage, something they'd hold onto for the next 22 minutes.
America is known for their scoring prowess, mainly due to the fact that the league leader in goals plays for their squad. In the 51st-minute of the semi, 27-year-old Christian Benitez tied the game at one, sending his shot from in front behind Monterrey net minder Juan Ibarra.
The league leader in goals would put his club up 2-1 19-minutes later when he converted another opportunity in front of the net for his second goal of the game and 29th this year.
Watching Benitez give Club America the lead didn't hinder the effort of Monterrey however.
Finishing in 9th position during the regular season, Monterrey was able to move through the postseason due to timely scoring, something they'd get from one of their premier players in Aldo De Nigris.
Three minutes after Benitez put America in front, De Nigris sent his only goal of the game between the pipes to even the score at 2.
Defense picked up for the final minutes of action as the two Liga MX teams finished in a 2-all tie.
Their semifinal series will resume with the second leg on Saturday, May 18th at 6:00pm, EDT from the home of Club America, Estadio Azteca.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS From The First Leg Of The Semifinals:
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