Club de Futbol Monterrey stands as one of the premier teams in Liga MX. Their Rayados squad boasts some of the finest talent available in Liga MX – such as Dorlan Pabon and Luis Ernesto Perez and Walter Ayovi as attacking stars and Luis Ernesto Perez and Walter Ayovi as defenders respectively.
As Sporting Kansas City prepares to face them in their Champions Cup semifinal, let’s take a closer look at this Mexican powerhouse known as Los Rayados – or “Rayados.” Their uniform features white with navy blue stripes. Let’s learn more about this Mexican powerhouse as we gain some insight.
Goalkeepers
Club de Futbol Monterrey, also known as Rayados (Riverside in English) for their trademark white and navy stripes that adorn their jerseys, is one of Mexico’s premier clubs and is widely considered its greatest team ever. Established more than 100 years ago as professional team in Monterrey is home to one of Mexico’s oldest professional teams as well as some of its greatest ever teams in terms of winning records and team culture. Alineaciones De Club De Futbol Monterrey Contra Portland Timbers
Monterrey FC struggled in their semi-final matchup against Los Angeles Galaxy during the first half of their semi-final series, as many of their star players were away on international duty while their squad appeared disjointed and lackluster.
That doesn’t mean LA won’t have a chance in Wednesday’s second leg at Estadio Tecnologico; however, they will face an uphill task to advance to the final. Robbie Keane must play well if they want any chance at all of reaching it; otherwise they will rely heavily on luck as well as avoidance of poor finishing such as Maxi Meza’s free kick going wide and Rogelio Funes Mori’s first-time shot hitting against the base of post in leg one.
Midfielders
With Rogelio Funes Mori sidelined due to a fractured hand in the second leg against Nashville SC, Omar Govea will likely play in his usual central midfield position for Monterrey FC – scoring six goals and providing assists on 15 more this season. The veteran has been one of the key contributors for Monterrey.
Rayados are in desperate need of improving both their attacking game and having deeper bench options and greater stability in their backline, so it should come as no surprise that they plan to implement some changes this summer.
All clubs need to replenish and add hungry players from time to time in order to remain competitive, and Monterrey’s current group has had an impressive run – but that can no longer continue; therefore it is time for this generation of players to move on for Monterrey to remain one of Mexico’s premier teams.
Forwards
Sporting Kansas City will face one of Liga MX’s most potent opponents in its CONCACAF Champions League semi-final. Los Rayados boast one of the most effective attacks, regularly recovering possession high up the pitch while boasting some of the league’s finest finishers.
Monterrey may not have their top goalscorer, but that has not prevented them from having multiple attacking options available to them. Forwards Rogelio Funes Mori and Fabian Cuesta both possess the potential to deliver major performances for Monterrey.
Monterrey also excels on its flanks, led by Hector Moreno and Leo Chu. These two strike up an effective partnership, breaking down defenses and creating opportunities for Monterrey’s forward line. However, Monterrey needs more consistency from their forwards in finishing and avoiding drops offs that might present problems during playoff time; otherwise they risk not reaching the final.
Defenders
Monterrey’s two defenders — regular midfielder Matias Kranevitter and 34-year-old Hector Moreno — were powerless to stop Al Ahly’s counterattacking play, leaving their backline constantly exposed. Although Monterrey boasted one of the highest average salary levels in Liga MX, it remains uncertain if they possess enough defensive depth for such competition.
Monterrey FC was established on 28 June 1945 near the conclusion of World War II by a group of industrial businessmen from Nuevo Leon State. They named it in honor of Monterrey City – Nuevo Leon’s capital city with whom they share an on-field rivalry, playing them four finals where they won three and lost one while also meeting twice in Liga MX Femenil two-legged finals to sell-out crowds.