Liga MX side Monterrey sealed its spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals after edging defending Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati on Thursday night.
Luis Romo and Brandon Vazquez both scored for Monterrey, giving the hosts a 2-1 second leg win and a 3-1 aggregate scoreline. Vazquez, the former FC Cincy standout, scored twice over two legs against his former club.
Romo boosted Monterrey in front before halftime, slotting home Maximiliano Meza’s pass to cap off a fast break. Monterrey would take that 1-0 lead into the interval but FC Cincinnati pulled itself back into the tie after 47 minutes.
DeAndre Yedlin’s pass into the Monterrey box was hammered home by Luciano Acosta, giving Pat Noonan’s squad a lifeline. However, Vazquez would settle the series after the hour mark.
Meza registered his second assist of the match, crossing into the box and watching Vazquez tap into an empty net. It marked Vazquez’s seventh goal for the club in 13 overall appearances.
Monterrey will now prepare for a quarterfinal showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami this April.
Alajuelense 1, New England Revolution 1 (Revs advance 5-1 on aggregate)
The New England Revolution’s lopsided first leg win over Costa Rican side Alajuelense helped them avoid any second leg drama on Thursday.
Caleb Porter’s side fought back to earn a 1-1 second leg draw in Costa Rica, setting up a quarterfinal clash with Liga MX heavyweights Club America.
Carlos Mora’s close-range finish after four minutes boosted the hosts ahead 1-0, a lead that Alajuelense would cling to until the final 10 minutes.
However, Giacomo Vrioni’s left-footed finish off an Esmir Bajraktarevic assist helped the Revs remain unbeaten in the competition.
Offseason acquisition Henrich Ravas played a vital role for the Revs in the tie, making seven saves to help avoid any drama on the road.
The Revs will receive a much tougher test in the quarterfinals as Club America, who have eliminated Real Esteli FC and Chivas de Guadalajara in respective rounds.
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