Monterrey advances

Monterrey's bid for the Copa continued last night with a 4-4 draw with Chivas, winning the aggregate 8-5. Pay attention to the two Carlos Ochoa goals (first and last Monterrey goals) that were classic counter-strikes.

Monterrey win over Chivas highlights

Monterrey crushes Chivas 4-1

Monterrey started its push to the Copa with a powerful 4-1 victory over Chivas in the semi-finals of the Liguilla.

While news circulates that Sven Goran Eriksson could become the next manager of El Tri, it should be abundantly clear that the Fútbol Asociación made a ridiculous decision in letting go Ricardo Lavolpe. Known worldwide amongst coaches as a tactical genius, the Lavolpe-led Monterrey as defied logic in the La Primera División de México and playing far beyond what most considered their capabilities.

Last night was no different as they stunned Chivas with a 4-1 trouncing with three goals by Jared Borgetti and yet another by Humberto Suazo. Monterrey launched an aggressive 3-5-2 and provided numerous scoring opportunities.

Unfortunately Humberto Suazo is likely out for Saturday with a thigh strain as well as Walter Erviti,who suffered an ankle injury on a brutal foul by Omar Bravo late in the match.

The second leg of the series is this Saturday at the Estadio Jalisco.

Liguilla starts tonight

The Liguilla starts tonight in La Primera División de México with two important semi-final matches.

Once again throwing my impartiality aside (go Rayados), Chivas visits Monterrey in what is one of the most interesting tactical matches you'll see. The excitement around the Team Lavolpe has been the experimentation of a new formation that would see Robert de Pinho centering Humberto Suazo and Jared Borgetti. Tactically it appears that Richardo Lavolpe's approach is to attack Chivas voraciously from the get-go. They will need to build an advantage as the second leg of the series is on Saturday and Chivas is a deadly opponent at the Estadio Jalisco.

In the other match tonight, Cruz Azul visits Jaguares. This will be an extremely tight match as evidenced by last months tight 2-1 victory by Cruz Azul when the squads met last month.

Team Lavolpe heads to América

Ricardo Lavolpe's, Monterrey travels into Mexico City to face América today, knowing a victory will see them finish fifth in the Clausura season, which is a stunning turnaround from the Apertura season when they finished second-to-last in the table. Under his tutelage the club has captured his attacking style of play, resulting in a goal-scoring eruption of Humberto Suazo and have additionally tightened up weak defensive links. As per Lavolpe, the club is now a close-knit group that can perform with the best of clubs in the Liguilla.

América is in a free-fall and it is a odd time to face them to say the least. Their season is a foul mess with only eight points and the league-worst, negative sixteen goal differential and now have interim coach Juan Antonio Luna taking over for the final two matches in the Primera División and the Copa Libertadores. This is clearly their worst season on record as they are winless in their last five matches, with a apocalyptic 13-3 combined score. The strain of playing in the Copa Libertadores is obviously weighing heavy on them and it won’t be any easier today with them facing Flamengo in the second leg of this round in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday as well after losing to them this past Wednesday. They cannot be underestimated though as based upon performances such as River Plate in the Copa, they can prove to be an offensive threat particularly in set-plays.

However I expect Lavolpe, the man who should be El Tri's head coach, to lead the Rayados to another victory.

Monterrey 3-2 over Atlante

highlights from Monterrey's 3-2 victory over Atlante last night. Don't miss the second goal by Humberto Suazo.

Monterrey - Chivas recap

and yes...this has me in a great mood

Monterrey over Chivas 1 - 0

I know what you're thinking...what a beautiful world, full of perfect rainbows, little bluebirds chirping and yes, Monterrey defeating Chivas 1-0 in a Primera División de México match just ending. Monterrey's struck early on a Humberto Suazo goal and held the lead with tight defensive play. Unbelievable upset from the squad led by the man who should be coaching El Tri, Ricardo Lavolpe.