With only four teams remaining in the 2012-2013 Liga MX season, the postseason pushes forward as the semifinal round is set to begin.
In what is expected to be an extremely close and entertaining first leg of the semi-final, Monterrey will host Club America on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 p.m. EDT. An online live stream will be available to soccer fans by following this link.
As they look to continue their stellar play with the hopes of winning an 11th title in club history, America will surely be tested by an extremely talented and athletic Monterrey squad. While the first leg is expected to be close, America knows they'll be in a fight right from the start of the game.
"Monterrey is not easy, it's a very difficult team," coach Miguel Herrera said to Goal.com reporters. "It eliminated the best team in the tournament and we will be focused for it."
With their upset of Tigres UANL in the quarterfinal round, Monterrey is now looked upon as a team that is fully capable of winning the Liga MX crown. A championship this season would give the club their fourth title in its history.
Aldo de Nigris leads the way offensively for Monterrey as the team leader in goals with 10. Complimenting de Nigris is Humberto Suazo, a lethal striker capable of adding instant scoring to an offense that can score when needed.
Suazo's goal in the first leg of Monterrey's quarterfinal win over Tigres proved to be the only one they'd need as they held on for a 1-0 win, eventually advancing through to the semis thanks to a 2-1 aggregate.
RELATED: Lionel Messi News: When Will The Film About The FC Barcelona Star Be Released?
While Monterrey has been playing consistent entering Wednesday night's first leg, America may turn out to be the most talented club in the tournament.
Led by the always dangerous Christian Benitez, Club America boasts a lethal offense that can score in a hurry. America will also receive something of a gift before their semi begins since Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco is expected to miss the first leg.
Christian Benitez may see ample opportunity to add to his goal total of 27 during the semifinal first leg Wednesday night. Leading the lead in goals scored during the regular season, Benitez along with Raul Jimenez will make life for opposing defenses extremely difficult when they're on top of their game. With the biggest moment in the season about to begin, Benitez will surely look to shine.
RELATED: Tiger Woods Bad Drop: Did 2013 Players Champion Take Illegal Drop During Final Round? [VIDEO]
Monterrey and America have already met once this season. Back on January 5, America bested their now postseason opponent by a 2-1 mark.
Walter Ayovi started the scoring in the 16th-minute of action, putting one through along the left corner to give Monterrey the early advantage. Tying the game at one apiece 24 minutes later, Jesus Molina headed one past Jonathan Orozco swinging the momentum back to America.
After a penalty was handed to Monterrey in the 90th-minute of action, Rubens Sambueza banged one through the bottom right corner, sending Club America into a frenzy as they'd hold on for the 2-1 victory.
The 2012-2013 Liga MX Semifinals should not disappoint as all four teams in the field are fully capable of winning the title. Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul will begin their semi series on Thursday, May 16.
Be sure to catch the first leg of the semifinals between Club America and Monterrey on Wednesday, May 15 at 10:00 p.m., EDT. An online live stream will be available here.
© 2024 Latin Times. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
