FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – CF Monterrey took to a 2-1 away victory against Inter Miami CF in the first leg of their 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup Quarterfinal series on Wednesday night at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Both offenses were active early, with Brandon Vasquez striking a loose ball inside the box in the 4’. Miami goalkeeper Drake Callender got a hand on the ball to deny the early attempt.
As Inter Miami began to get into an offensive rhythm, Jordi Alba had a look from long range in the 15’ but his shot was wide.
Julian Gressel chipped a ball across goal in the 18’, forcing Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada to make a save.
Tomas Aviles put Inter Miami in front in the 19’ by connecting with a right-footed hit on the ensuing corner. Gressel picked up the assist as the taker on the set piece.
Luis Suarez had a firm hit in the 45’ but Andrada denied the close-range opportunity.
Sergio Canales had a try in the box in the 50’ but was blocked by defender Nicolas Freire.
Suarez took a free kick attempt in the 56’ that ended just outside of the left post to keep the teams separated by the minimal difference.
Inter Miami were left with ten men in the 65’ when David Ruiz was shown his second yellow card offense of the night.
Maxi Meza equalized in the 69’, pouncing on a rebound after Callender made a save during a corner kick.
Jorge Rodriguez shot from the top of the penalty arc to deliver the game-winning goal in the 89’ for the visitors.
The two clubs will meet again next Wednesday when its Monterrey’s turn to host at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Nuevo Leon, Mexico.
