Match Recap: Monterrey 2 -2 Morelia: Los Rayados give up a late equalizer to Monarcas

Monterrey once again allowed their opponent a late goal as Morelia came from two goals behind to draw level with los Rayados, despite the hosts scoring within the first ten minutes of the match. Instead of taking the opportunity to get on top of the table in Mexico’s Liga MX, Monterrey will have to be content to take a point.

Monterrey got things going early with a goal in the seventh minute from Stefan Medina after Sebastian Sosa, the Monarcas keeper, had spilled Dorlan Pabon’s well-struck free kick from just outside the box. Pabon sent a screaming shot through the wall, and while Sosa was able to block the original shot, the rebound fell in the six yard box. Medina was the first player to the ball and made no mistake, sending the ball into the back of the net.

Monterrey looked as if they would continue their pattern of scoring early and dominating the match without a lot to show for it while dominating possession in the next few minutes.

Morelia did well to try and make it interesting, as Monterrey wasn’t able to just impose their will on the match like they did against Lobos BUAP, and Marcelo Barovero had to stop a decent effort on goal in the 22nd minute.

Monterrey got a second goal from Luis Madrigal from a corner kick. Madrigal rose up above everyone and headed the ball to the far post and past Suso, who could only watch the ball go past his outstretched hands and into the back of the net.

Monarcas struck right back, making it a one-goal game soon afterwards after a very nice long-range goal from Rodrigo Millar. Monterrey were sloppy with the ball at the back and one of the Morelia’s players was able to deflect a pass, and as Millar beat Monterrey’s Jonathan Gonzalez to the loose ball, he made los Rayados pay with a great shot from distance.

Monterrey came close a couple more times, but couldn’t get another goal in the first half, and Morelia didn’t really see bothered by going into the second half down a goal. Monterrey had six corner kicks in the first half, which meant that Monarcas were lucky to have only conceded the one goal from corners so far this match.

Monterrey started the match with a couple chances, but Morelia also went close, forcing Barovero into a good save in the 48th minute.

Monterrey went close a few minutes later. Pabon and Pizarro combined to almost get a good shot on net, only for the ball to go back out for Pabon. Pabon waited until Pizarro got back onside and drove into the box on the right. He then unleashed a well-taken cross hitting an unmarked Madrigal, only for the striker to send the ball into orbit rather than work the keeper from the good position.

Soon afterwards, Jesus Gallardo came into the match for Leonel Vangioni after the Argentine appeared to have picked up a knock.

Madrigal could have scored a second goal in the 70th minute after his shot rattled the cross bar but the ball stayed out of the net once again. Morelia seemed to push up the pressure in the second half, searching for a equalizer, only for the Monterrey defense to deal well with any attacks in the final third.

And as usual, Monterrey gave up a last-minute goal and allowed Monarcas to equalize in the in 87th minute. Ferreira did well to meet a cross and put a header on net, and he did even better to follow the rebound on his shot and knocked the ball into the back of the net after Barovero was only able to push the ball wide.

The boos rained down on los Rayados as they once again allowed a late equalizer. They did against Club Puebla in the Copa MX match at home and did against Lobos BUAP. And while they were able to get a late winner against Lobos, they were not able to get one against Morelia this time around.

Monterrey have have a worrying trend of giving up late goals and not taking their chances that are created earlier in the matches from open play. Despite the addition of Pizarro, they actually seem worse from open play this year, perhaps because of tactics or perhaps the absence of Rogelio Funes Mori.

Anyway, much like last season, Morelia found a late equalizer and Monterrey are left to rue the chances that were missed as they share the spoils.