Monterrey's Vucetich Finds Positives In Draw

Before their Jornada 15 matchup against Santos, Monterrey players vowed to close out the season on a strong note. After beating Santos 2-1, it seemed the players meant what they said.

Now, Monterrey enter the postseason scratching their heads and wondering what happened. Los Rayados lost to America in their penultimate game and closed out the regular season with a 1-1 draw against Morelia at Estadio Tecnologico on Saturday.

While not the greatest season-ending result, Monterrey manager Victor Manuel Vucetich said the match will serve as experience.

"I believe we saw a solid unit," Vucetich said in a post-match press conference. "Sometimes results don't reflect how you played."

Monterrey and Morelia exchanged first-half goals but los Rayados seemingly had the better of play throughout the game but were not able to find a second goal.

While the players were not able to get three points from the game, Vucetich said his team showed enough to make him feel good about his team's chances entering the postseason.

"The team leaves me feeling well," he said. "They have personality and sometimes the team can cause fear. we played at America and saw them play tight defense and look for a counterattack and (Saturday) we met the superlider and they too tightened up defensively. We have a team who forces others to change their scheme."

Monterrey will likely meet America in the quarterfinals. If America win or draw, las Aguilas will finish in fourth place and have home-field advantage. A Santos win by three or less goals would give Monterrey home edge over America while a Santos rout of four or more would pit Santos against Monterrey.

Regardless, Vucetich said his team closed out the season well and should be ready for what awaits.

"We finished with 30 points. We earned four points more than last season," Vucetich said. "Our defense improved a lot. I believe we grew considerably in that sense and that gives us confidence."

Goal.com

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