The most important series in Sporting Kansas City’s international history is just around the corner. On Thursday, Manager Peter Vermes’ side will visit Mexican giants CF Monterrey in the first leg of the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Semifinals. The second leg is slated for 8 p.m. CT on April 11 at Children’s Mercy Park, with tickets now on sale at SeatGeek.com.
In the buildup to this titanic clash, SportingKC.com is relaunching the Champions League Countdown to give readers a comprehensive look at Sporting’s semifinal opponent. This 10-part series, running from March 25 to April 3, will shed light on all things Monterrey—ranging from players to watch and recent performances to past history in the Champions League and more.
At long last, we have reached the eve of Sporting Kansas City's showdown with CF Monterrey in the Champions League Semifinals.
This series gives both team an opportunity to reach the final stage of North America's most prestigious club tournament, claim a coveted trophy and write the next epic chapter in club history.
Most of us around here are pretty familiar with Sporting's story. An MLS charter member whose modest beginnings were highlighted by the 2000 MLS Cup. A small-market underdog that blossomed when the Sporting Club ownership group took the helm in 2006, rebranded the club and moved it into world-class Children's Mercy Park, setting the stage for a decade of trophy-laden success and supporter growth.
But what about Monterrey's story? How have Rayados reached the point where they are today, widely considered one of the best clubs in Mexico whose three Concacaf Champions League titles are the most in the modern era? Let's dive into a Monterrey history lesson.
The Early Days
Monterrey were founded in June 1945, becoming one of the first professional teams in Northern Mexico. Launched by a group of industrial businessmen, the club quickly developed its "Rayados" nickname for their navy and white-striped jerseys. Not unlike Sporting, Monterrey's early days were sometimes tumultuous. Rayados yo-yoed between the first and second divisions throughout the 1950s and 1960s before establishing themselves as top-flight regulars in the 1970s.
A Rivalry is Born
Without question, Monterrey's biggest rival is crosstown neighbor Tigres UANL. The Monterrey derby, contested since 1974 and known as the Clásico Regiomontano, is widely considered one of the most intense derbies in Mexican soccer. The current edition of the Champions League raises the wild possibility that Monterrey and Tigres could lock horns in the finals, but only if they get past their semifinal opponents.
Rayados claimed their first Mexican first division title in the spring of 1986, just a few months before the city played host to FIFA World Cup matches. Mexican youngster Francisco Javier Cruz played the lead role as the league's top scorer that season.
The First Copa MX
Carlos Hermosillo and Manuel Negrete guided Rayados to their first Copa MX title in 1992, defeating CD Juarez 4–2 at the club's former home Estadio Tecnologico. Monterrey's second Copa MX triumph wouldn't come until 2017.
Becoming a Contender
If the 2010s will be remembered for Monterrey's Concacaf Champions League dynasty, the decade that preceded it should be recalled for Rayados' sustained domestic success. Under the guidance of coach Daniel Pasarella, Rayados won the 2003 Clausura title with talents such as Guillermo Franco, Walter Erviti and Jesus Arellano pulling the strings.
The Vucetich Era
In 2009, Monterrey appointed coach Victor Manuel Vucetich and formed a team that would become one of the most dominant in Mexico. A stout squad boasted attacking quality in Humberto Suazo and Aldo de Nigris; a heady midfield featuring veterans Luis Ernesto Perez, Jesus Arellano and Walter Ayovi; and a staunch defense spearheaded by Jose Maria Basanta, Duilio Davino and goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco.
Monterrey's Apertura titles in 2009 and 2010, the club's third and fourth top-flight triumphs, vaulted Rayados into the Concacaf Champions League, where they would begin an unprecedented run of three straight tournament championships from 2011-2013. To this day, Rayados' three Champions League titles are the most since the modern era began in 2008.
Present Day
Vucetich left Monterrey in 2013 to become manager of the Mexican national team, a post he would keep for less than six weeks. Since then, a staggering six different coaches have assumed managerial duties at the club. Jose Guadalupe Cruz (2013-14), Jose Trevino (2014), Carlos Barra (2014) and Antonio Mohamed (2015-2018) were followed by present-day boss Diego Alonso, who is hoping to last a bit longer than his predecessors. Alonso is off to a strong start, as Monterrey currently occupies third place in Liga MX and sits just two series wins away from another Concacaf Champions League.
Monterrey's Major Honors
- Liga MX (4): 1986, 2003 Clausura, 2009 Apertura, 2010 Apertura
- Copa MX (2): 1992, 2017 Apertura
- Concacaf Champions League (3): 2011, 2012, 2013
