Club America moved one step closer to their 16th Liga MX title with a 2-1 win over Monterrey. Sergio Canales scored in the first half and had a goal canceled out by Kevin Alvarez before Alex Zendejas took the lead. There is still more work to be done in the second leg away to Monterrey, but taking an early lead will be important here.
“We could have extended our lead, but we showed that we are hungry and will give everything to achieve this third win,” Alvarez said after the game.
America’s defense has been a major story in the Liga MX playoffs and they have now shown that they can slow down a dangerous attack that has put them up 12 goals in the playoffs ahead of them, but Zendejas’ rise over the last few games has been crucial. . The American winger has now scored in two consecutive games, and the goal and assist bring his tally to eight goals and five assists for the United States this season.
Now in his fourth season with the club, Zendejas is showing himself to be a critical part of the depth of the U.S. Men’s National Team going forward. Despite only playing in four games in 2024, Zendejas has appeared in all of those games under new USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino, which should bode well for his future chances as he prepares for the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
The United States will next face the Rayados on Sunday, December 15 at their home stadium in Monterrey. If they can maintain their one-goal lead on aggregate, they will secure the Liga MX Apertura title after finishing eighth in the table. . Overall, if the game is tied after 90 minutes, penalties and extra time will be awarded as required. However, the United States will likely aim to get the job done during regulation to give themselves the best chance possible, as depth will likely favor Rayados.
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