CARSON, Calif. — In a thrilling Leagues Cup semi-final at Dignity Health Sports Park on Wednesday night, CF Monterrey defeated Club América 5-4 on penalties after the match finished 2-2 in regular time. The result sends Rayados into the final against Toluca and eliminates the Águilas from title contention.
The all-Liga MX clash, played before a passionate crowd that heavily favored América, produced a tense, low-scoring first half before exploding into action after the break. Monterrey struck first in the 49th minute when Diego Rossi produced a spectacular strike. What began as a cross from the right curled beautifully into the far corner, beating América goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota and giving the visitors a 1-0 lead.
América responded quickly. In the 57th minute, Ramón Juárez leveled the score, capitalizing on a free-kick delivery and finishing with a composed left-footed effort inside the box. Just six minutes later, Alan Cervantes put the Águilas ahead with a stunning long-range strike. Assisted by Raphael Veiga on the counter, Cervantes controlled the ball and unleashed a powerful shot that found the net, making it 2-1.
Monterrey refused to fold. In the 69th minute, Lucas Ocampos converted a penalty—awarded after a controversial foul in the box involving Orbelín Pineda—to restore parity at 2-2. The equalizer ensured the contest would be decided from the spot.
In the penalty shootout, both sides traded successful kicks early. América’s Raphael Veiga, Brian Rodríguez, Israel Reyes, and Érick Sánchez all scored, while Monterrey’s Luca Orellano, Diego Rossi, Víctor Guzmán, and Jesús “Tecatito” Corona converted theirs. The decisive moment came when Cervantes, who had scored so brilliantly earlier, blasted his attempt over the bar. Hugo Cuypers then stepped up and coolly slotted home Monterrey’s fifth penalty, sealing the 5-4 victory and sparking celebrations among the Rayados contingent.
The match was not without controversy. América felt they were denied a penalty in the first half, and the decision that led to Ocampos’ equalizer drew strong protests. Neither call was overturned by VAR.
With the win, Monterrey advance to face Toluca in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday, September 6. Toluca had earlier secured their place with a 2-0 victory over León in the other semi-final in Houston. América will contest the third-place match against León on the same day.
The result continues a strong run for Matías Almeyda’s side in the competition and ends América’s hopes of lifting the trophy in a tournament that once again featured intense Mexican rivalry on U.S. soil. Rayados will now prepare for a final against a dangerous Toluca side, while the Águilas look to salvage bronze.
