A record crowd in Houston was presented to watch a great match in the semifinal of the Leagues Cup where two of the best Liga MX teams were looking to get to the final of this new tournament. America was looking to move to another international final to their rich history whereas Tigres was looking to gain credibility in the international stage.
The match was very well played. Both teams showed determination and intensity to win the game. However, every team using their own style. America of course, was the team that attacked a control the possession of the ball. Tigres on the other side, played a solid defensive match and from there, try to create chances in offense.
Things started good for Tigres, they went up in the score early in the match as Paul Aguilar scored an own goal at the 14’. From that point, America tried to get the equalizer as they were dominating the match. Sure enough, Andres Ibarguen scored the 1-1 at the 36’ for the partial tie at the half.
The second half had a lot of intensity and good football from both teams; however, America scored the late lead goal at the 90’. When everyone thought America was advancing to the final, Tigres attacks paid off as another own goal was scored by the America’s defensive at the 94’. That miraculously goal gave the Monterrey team a big chance to eliminate Las Aguilas and get a spot in the tournament’s final.
At the end of the day, Tigres did not miss from the penalty spot whereas America did miss one and Tigres will be playing the Leagues Cup final in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 18th against Cruz Azul, who eliminated the LA Galaxy.
