Mexico

America In Liguilla With Win Over Monterrey

After years of absence America finally returns to the big dance in Mexico.

Nov 8, 2009 8:12:40 PM

Pavel Pardo y Armando Navarrete- America (Mexsport)

Photo Gallery

Zoom

Pavel Pardo y Armando Navarrete- America (Mexsport)

Teams

America earned their ticket after defeating Monterrey 1-0. It was game where both had the ticket in reach and who ever won would take it. America did it and now they will return to the Liguilla after years of absence. A first half goal from Daniel Montenegro was enough to seal the deal. Monterrey were denied twice by the post and fought all game long but that wasn't enough.

America will travel with ease in the next Jornanda when they take on Santos. The defeat was bitter for Monterrey but they still qualified thanks Pueblas' loss.

First Half

America started to implement their style early against Monterrey.

Las Aguilas were testing things out after just one minute of play. Enrique Esqueda tried catching Jonathan Orozco off guard with a long distance shot. The shot was headed in but Orozco made a great diving save to keep everything leveled.

America was greedy with the ball as they did not give it up to Monterrey.

Jean Beausejour had a great chance in the 9th minute. Beausejour received the ball inside the box and fired a canon towards goal. Osavaldo Martinez was able to slide into the shot to avoid any real danger.

Monterrey did not have a good one until the 13th minute. Humberto Suazo tried a quick shot from a bouncing ball. The shot came close to going in as Guillermo Ochoa watched it go by.

The home teams constant pressure would pay off in the 16th minute. Pavel Pardo delivered a free kick into Monterrey's box. Daniel "Rolfi" Montenegro was left alone in the second post and was able to get his head behind it. The ball went in and America took a 1-0 lead.

Being a goal down and seeing a sure Liguilla ticket start to fade away, Monterrey kicked it up a notch.

Monterrey saw the best chance of the game slip away in the 27th minute. Walter Ayovi delivered a cross from the left side. The ball found Jose Maria Basanta's head. Basanta hit it on goal but the ball crashed against the cross bar.

Monterrey attacked constantly but Americas back line held strong despite losing Aquivaldo Mosquera to injury in the closing stages.

The half ended with the home team leading, 1-0.

Second Half

Monterrey looked more confident in the attack to start the second half.

Jesus Zavala felt confident in the 52nd minute. Zavala fired a potent shot towards goal but Ochoa was able to control it. Humberto Suazo got his turn one minute later after receiving the ball inside the box. Suazo hit it but again Ochoa made the save and the defense cleared it away.

America did not have a shot on goal until the 65th minute. Pavel Pardo tried it from long distance but Orosco held it well.

The tables had turned for the second half. Monterrey was on the attack while America was on their heels.

Walter Ayovi tried his luck in the 67th minute. Ayovi shot from outside the box but Ochoa sent it away for a corner. Ayovi tried it again in the 75th but his shot went well over the bar.

Monterrey's attacks were constant and America would need a little more help to stop them.

Abraham Carreño had a golden one in the 76th but was stopped. Sergio Santana drove in a cross from the left side which found Carreño. Carreño brought the ball down with his chest and fired away. His shot hit the right post and America were once more saved by the post.

What had saved America twice would not be kind to them though.

America threw their forces up for a corner kick in the 83rd minute. Pavel Pardo crossed the ball and Juan Carlos Valenzuela received it. Valenzuela took a shot but the ball hit the post impeding the scoreline from changing.

Monterrey tried everything they could in the end to save a point but America held on to win, 1-0.

Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura 2009 season, visit Goal.com.

Thank you for your comment!

Please enter your name

Please enter your location

Please share your comment!