Edwin Cardona's brace helps Monterrey seal place in Liga MX final

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:58 am

AP Photo/Juan Karita

Monterrey fought to a gruelling 4-2 win against Club America on Saturday, earning progress through to the 2016 Clausura final with a 4-3 aggregate win.

At the 27th minute mark, Colombian midfielder Edwin Cardona scored his first-ever goal in Liga MX's Liguilla after connecting a striking shot with the outside of his right boot. Cardona's goal momentarily gave Rayados the coveted ticket to the final after finishing the regular season in first place.

Club America's best scoring opportunity in the first half came when Darwin Quintero was able to release a hard shot near the goal defended by Jonathan Orozco. Orozco stretched out his right boot and prevented Las Aguilas from ruining the party at Monterrey's stadium.

Monterrey's second goal came in the 48th minute after Rogelio Funes Mori received a brilliant assist from Carlos Sanchez.

However, like it has been the case in recent times, a Michael "Miky" Arroyo goal gave new impetus to America's title aspirations. His strike in the 63rd minute handed America a place in the final.

Minutes later, however, Monterrey's Sanchez arrowed a strike straight into Hugo Gonzalez's top right corner, and the sounds at Estadio BBVA Bancomer were lively once more. The 3-1 scoreline once again placed Monterrey in the box seat.

Arroyo and Cardona then traded goals in an electric finish to the match.

In the end, Monterrey's superstars like Cardona and Sanchez proved to be the difference makers. The night finished with a 4-2 win for La Pandilla, who now will wait on the winner of the Leon-Pachuca semifinal series.