After seven consecutive wins (two in Liga MX and five in the Leagues Cup), Rayados lost 2-0 to Nashville SC in the Semifinal of the Leagues Cup 2023 at GEODIS Park. 

After five wins and one loss in the international tournament, Rayados will play the match for Third Place in the Leagues Cup 2023 against Philadelphia Union at a date and place to be determined.

Monterrey was the only club of the 18 Liga BBVA MX teams to remain in the competition until the Semifinals. 

Tuesday's match in Nashville began intensely, with both teams looking to open the scoring from the first minutes. 

At minute 5, Jesus Gallardo had the first dangerous play for Rayados, when he recovered a ball on the edge of the area and shot at goal, but the ball went wide. 

At 12', Hany Mukhtar made a couple of cuts and sent the ball into the back of the net with a powerful shot at the far post.

However, minutes later, and after reviewing the play in the VAR, the referee disallowed the opponent's goal due to Teal Bunbury's offside. 

Joao Rojas took a shot from half distance at minute 21, but goalkeeper Elliot Panicco saved the goal with a great save at the base of the post.  

Minutes later, Alex Muyl took a free kick, but the ball went wide of Esteban Andrada's goal.

After a one-two with Maxi Meza at minute 28, Erick Aguirre shot with his right foot, but the ball hit the crossbar!

At 40', Esteban Andrada made a great save to prevent the home team from scoring after a header by Hany Mukhtar.

In the second half, Rayados went forward and tried to open the scoreboard, but the home team took the lead. 

At minute 62, Sergio Canales filtered for Jordi Cortizo, who controlled and shot with his right foot, but the ball went over the opponent's goal. 

67' RAYADOS 0-1 NASHVILLE SC | Sam Surridge

Esteban Andrada cleared long looking for Rogelio Funes Mori, but Hany Mukhtar recovered the ball and assisted to Sam Surridge, who fired a right-footed shot to open the scoring for Nashville.

Jordi Cortizo took advantage of a rebound, after a corner kick at 76', and volleyed the ball, but the Nashville goalkeeper sent it to a corner kick. 

Rogelio Funes Mori came close to tying the match. After a great play by Victor Lopez, the Rayados striker shot at goal, but Panicco leaned to his left and sent the ball to a corner kick.

In the final minutes, Rayados went all out in front and the locals took advantage to attack on counterattacks and scored their second in stoppage time.

96' RAYADOS 0-2 NASHVILLE SC | Fafa Picault

The Nashville striker set up a counterattacking play, won the ball from Luis Romo and, with a right-footed shot, scored the definitive 2-0.

Thank you, fans, for your tremendous support!

Andrés Jiménez