Real Salt Lake Vs. Monterrey, CONCACAF Champions League: Rayados Win 3-2 On Aggregate

RSL probably had the better of play throughout the first half, but the final 10 minutes of the half were decidedly tilted toward Monterrey. Suazo was able to work himself free on one shot from just outside the penalty area and Monterrey had started to control more of the possession.

During the first half-hour, RSL has mostly had the better of play, not giving the depleted Monterrey attack much room in which to operate. Los Rayados have had precious few opportunities and have yet to really challenge RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando. He has not yet made a save.

RSL has managed a few dangerous attempts with Espindola coming close to giving his team the lead on a three different occasions. His best chance came in the 36th minute when he was sent free on a 1 vs. 1 situation with Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathon Orozco, but his shot on a nearly open goal went just wide.

Real Salt Lake lineup (4-4-2): Rimando; Russell, Olave, Borchers, Wingert; Williams, Grabavoy, Morales, Johnson; Saborío, Espíndola

Monterrey is trying to become the third straight Mexican Primera team to win the CCL. In fact, Mexican teams have so far been the teams to win the tournament since it adopted its current format.

Monterrey’s lineup (4-4-2): Orozco; Osorio, Mier, Basanta, Cherokee Perez; Cardozo, Ayovi, Morales, Martinez; Santana, Humberto Suazo

In a perfect world, both teams would be coming into this match with equal motivations and on equal terms. Unfortunately, it’s hard to shake the feeling that Monterrey is much more concerned with their possibly missing the Mexican Primera Liguilla, while RSL is so focused on this match that they’ve even altered their MLS schedule.

The game may very well fall short of its classic potential, but that shouldn’t diminish its potential importance. This has a chance to be a real benchmark game for U.S. soccer. With two road goals already in their pocket and a dead-locked aggregate score, RSL merely needs a 0-0 or 1-1 tie to claim the title. Considering they haven’t allowed as many as two goals in a home match in about a year and haven’t lost at home since 2009, both seem like good bets.