Quick Read
- CF Monterrey defeated New York Red Bulls 5-3 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation.
- Sergio Canales scored for Monterrey, while Julian Hall netted for the Red Bulls.
- Monterrey’s goalkeeper Luis Cárdenas made a crucial save in the shootout to secure victory.
- The Red Bulls now face a must-win scenario in their final group-stage match.
- Sunday’s matches highlighted Liga MX’s dominance, with five wins out of six games against MLS teams.
The 2025 Leagues Cup continued to deliver thrilling encounters as CF Monterrey secured a vital 5-3 penalty shootout victory over the New York Red Bulls on Sunday night, following a closely contested 1-1 draw in regulation time. The match, held in Cincinnati, kept Monterrey’s hopes alive in the tournament, while the Red Bulls were left needing a win in their next game to stay in contention for the knockout stage.
Monterrey’s Resilience Shines Through
CF Monterrey entered the match with mounting pressure after an earlier defeat in the tournament. Determined to bounce back, they showcased their resilience throughout the game. The Red Bulls struck first in the 19th minute, with Julian Hall converting a precise long through ball from Daniel Edelman into a clinical finish past Monterrey goalkeeper Luis Cárdenas.
Despite the early setback, Monterrey found an equalizer in the 38th minute through Sergio Canales. The forward capitalized on a rebound after New York’s goalkeeper Carlos Coronel made a remarkable save from Ricardo Chávez’s header. This goal marked Canales’ second in the tournament and injected new energy into the Monterrey lineup.
Drama in the Shootout
The game remained deadlocked at 1-1 through regulation, setting the stage for a penalty shootout. Monterrey’s composure under pressure proved decisive. Goalkeeper Luis Cárdenas played a pivotal role, making a crucial save to deny the Red Bulls during the shootout. The turning point came when Carlos Coronel initially appeared to have saved a penalty from Monterrey’s Luis Reyes, but the referee ruled that Coronel had stepped off his line early. Reyes converted the retake, ensuring Monterrey’s perfect 5-for-5 record in penalties.
“This victory is a testament to the team’s determination and focus,” Monterrey coach Javier Aguirre said after the match. “We knew we had to fight for every inch, and the players delivered.”
Red Bulls’ Narrow Path Forward
For the New York Red Bulls, the loss complicates their path to the knockout stage. With one point from two group-stage matches, they now face a must-win scenario in their final game. Additionally, they will need favorable results from other matches to keep their hopes alive.
“It’s disappointing to come so close and fall short,” Red Bulls captain Sean Nealis commented. “We’ll regroup and give it everything in the next match.”
Leagues Cup’s Growing Spectacle
The 2025 Leagues Cup has already proven to be a high-octane tournament, with several matches, including Monterrey’s, being decided in dramatic penalty shootouts. According to Leagues Cup, Sunday’s action alone featured four shootouts, showcasing the intensity of the competition between Liga MX and MLS teams. Monterrey’s victory adds to the narrative of Liga MX clubs asserting dominance, as they won five out of six head-to-head matchups on Sunday.
The tournament has also highlighted individual brilliance, from Sergio Canales’ consistent performances for Monterrey to Julian Hall’s standout moments for the Red Bulls. The stakes will only rise as teams vie for spots in the knockout stages.
*With their shootout triumph, Monterrey has kept their tournament dreams alive, while the Red Bulls must navigate a treacherous path forward. As the Leagues Cup unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and unforgettable moments.*