Sergio Canales makes debut in Monterrey’s Leagues Cup win over Portland Timbers

Sergio Canales made his CF Monterrey debut in the club’s Leagues Cup Round of 32 win over the Portland Timbers on Friday.

Monterrey had their first chance in the fifth minute when Esteban Andrada’s clearance was controlled by Jordi Cortizo, who set up Germán Berterame, but his shot was saved by Slovenian goalkeeper Aljaz Ivacic.

Portland responded in the 12th minute when Dairon Asprilla played in Ivorian Franck Boli, who shot wide of the target.

In the 18th minute, Santiago Moreno beat the visitors’ backline with a pass to Boli, who failed to test the keeper again.

Canales debut

Monterrey’s pressure paid dividend in the 45th minute when Luis Romo’s change of play from the left found Maximiliano Meza unmarked, and the Argentinian hit a right-footed shot into the corner to make it 1-0 to the Mexican club.

In the second half, Rayados dominated but lost their attacking threat. Head coach Fernando Ortiz sent Canales on for his debut in blue and white in the 68th minute to boost his side in possession and hold on to their narrow lead.

Rayados take on Tigres

The 1-0 victory sees Rayados advance to the Leagues Cup Round of 16, where they will face Mexican rivals Tigres on August 8 at the Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.