Brandon Vazquez made his long-awaited return to Cincinnati on Thursday and helped Monterrey place on step into the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals.
Vazquez scored the lone goal on Thursday as Monterrey edged FC Cincinnati 1-0 at TQL Stadium. The American forward struck in the 24th minute of the match, which proved to be the lone goal in the affair.
Vazquez’s powerful right-footed shot was blocked by Roman Celentano, but the young goalkeeper could not keep the rebound from trickling over the goal-line. It marked Vazquez’s seventh goal for Monterrey since his transfer to the Liga MX club.
Luciano Acosta and Corey Baird both had offensive opportunities denied, which kept Monterrey clinging onto its advantage.
Despite Rodrigo Aguirre’s ejection in the 70th minute, FC Cincy could not take advantage of the extra man advantage. Sergio Santos had the best opportunity to tie the match late, but Esteban Andrada came to the rescue with his fourth and final save of the night.
Monterrey will host the second leg next week, already holding a slight advantage on aggregate.
Nashville SC 2, Inter Miami 2
Inter Miami used a Luis Suarez 95th minute equalizer to tie Nashville SC 2-2 at Geodis Park in an All-MLS affair.
Despite Jacob Shaffelburg’s brace, the Herons used goals from Lionel Messi and Suarez to earn a road draw ahead of next week’s second leg from DRV PNK Stadium.
Suarez’s header in second-half stoppage time helped Inter Miami rally to stay alive in the tie. Sergio Busquets’ cross was directed home by the Uruguayan, who now has three goals since his winter arrival from Brazilian side Gremio.
Shaffelburg boosted Gary Smith’s squad in front after just four minutes, finishing off Shaq Moore’s pass into the high center of Drake Callender’s net.
The Canadian international doubled his tally in fine style after 47 minutes, sending a right-footed shot into the top-right corner for a 2-0 Nashville SC lead. However, the Herons would find their way back in the match through their top player.
Messi’s stunning left-footed strike only five minutes later cut the Inter Miami deficit in half before Tata Martino’s squad netted the tying goal with only three minutes to play.
The scene shifts to Fort Lauderdale on March 13 for second-leg action.
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