The America vs Monterrey second leg semifinal match will take place on Saturday, May 18, 2013 (3:00 PM PST) at the majestic Estadio Azteca. Club America will be the host in a deciding match in front of what could be a sell-out with over 100,000 fans; including 15,000 from Monterrey who made the trip to the Mexican capital. The first leg of the semifinals was intense, and was filled with quality soccer as both sides fought for 90 minutes and ended in a 2-2 tie. With the temporary result, Monterrey goes through with a 3-3 tie or a win; anything else, and the ‘aguilas’ will cruise into the Clausura 2013 final.
After leaving Monterrey with a difficult, but important 2-2 tie, America wants to secure a good score in front of their fans in order to reach their first final since the Clausura 2007. The team from ‘coapa’ is the clear favorite to defeat Monterrey because all they need is a tie lower than 3-3 or a win. Most importantly, America is in great form, and its star, Christian Benitez has been a goal magnet and assister in the playoffs.
Rayados of Monterrey have not been spoken of much regarding the term ‘surprise’ this liguilla. In fact, it is incredible the way they have played after 3 games in the playoffs considering they were the 9th seeded team. As critics talk about how Cruz Azul has come to life after winning the Copa MX, not much has been said of Monterrey’s revival after winning the CONCACAF Champions League. Since that title, Rayados has been phenomenal defensively, and its star striker, Humberto Suazo, has been the scoring machine fans came to praise a couple seasons ago.
The Azteca stadium will be a great scenario to what will, up to this point, be the game of the Clausura 2013. Two clubs in outstanding defensive and offensive form meet in what will be an all-out war to decide who qualifies into the final. This will be a match where mistakes and defensive play are not allowed. The match is 2-2, and America has the home advantage and visitor’s goal lead, however, will these be enough for the aguilas to reach the final once again after 6 years?
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America vs Monterrey Prediction
The first leg of the America vs Monterrey semifinal was a match with mistakes, and a Club America dominance. However, Monterrey’s home advantage and loud fans made a difference, and these allowed for Rayados to rescue a tie.
On Saturday, it will now be time for the ‘azul-crema’ fans to make their presence be felt, as this could be the game changer and decider in putting America in the Clausura 2013 final. Club America is desperate for silverware, and now that they have reached their 3rd straight semifinals, it is their turn at glory. Monterrey will fight until the end, but as they say, 3rd time is the charm.
The America vs Monterrey second leg Liguilla will end in a 2-1 win for America, which will make it 4-3 in the aggregate; aguilas will reach the Clausura 2013 final.
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America vs Monterrey Television
The America vs Monterrey second leg match will be televised this Saturday, May 18, 2013 on Univision at 3:00 PM Pacific.
