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Nashville was better and more convincing than Monterrey, the MLS team stood with authority and defeated the Mexicans 0-2 to advance to the final of the Leagues Cup against Lionel Messi'sInter Miami.
Nashville showed offensive superiority since the start of the game. The first play that made Rayados tremble was a shot from outside the box by Hany Mukhtar.
The German player hit the ball with the inside of his foot that went past goalkeeper Esteban Andrada, but a player from the MLS team was offside and the referee Walter Lopez of Guatemala took back the goal.
The disallowed goal was a slap in the face that woke Monterrey up, the Mexican team began to have more possession.
It was then that Sergio Canales, Monterrey's newest jewel, took a great shot from outside the box but Panicco made an amazing diving save to prevent Rayados from taking the lead.
The player who created the most danger throughout the game was Mukhtar, who organized Nashville's offense and tested Andrada at all times, however, he could not give his team take the lead, and the first 45 minutes ended in a 0-0 draw.
Nashville got it done with class
Rayados coach Fernando Ortiz made two moves at the half: Erick Aguirre and Joao Rojas came off and Jordi Cortizo and V�ctor Guzman came on. For Nashville, Sam Surridge came on for Teal Bunbury.
Rayados started the second half holding possession of the ball but they were unable to get depth. Their most dangerous play was when Medina approached the goal from the right flank. The Colombian fell inside the box, but the ref concluded that there was no foul in the play after checking on VAR.
Jordi Cortizo revolutionized Monterrey against LAFC, and against Nashville it was no exception, the midfielder hit several dangerous shots towards Panicco's goal but was unsuccessful in his attempts.
In the 67th minute, Nashville's Sam Surridge received the ball from Mukhtar, who was the best player of the match, and shot a low ball towards the goal beating the Mexican side's goalkeeper to put the MLS squad in the lead.
Everything Messi. Half the time
Nashville secures an all-MLS Leagues Cup Final
After the host's first goal things got worse for Monterrey.
Nashville continued to attack and dominate the game without giving Rayados a lot of opportunities to equalize.
In the 74th minute Surridge could have given his team a 0-2 lead but his goal was disallowed because he was offside.
For the Mexicans, Funes Mori had a golden opportunity in the 89th minute to tie the game, but his shot was too weak and Panicco had time to get the ball before it went in.
The referee added six minutes of extra time, during which Monterrey went on attack, but the team was unable to equalize.
To make matters worse, Fafa put the final nail in the coffin for Rayados with a goal in the 96th minute that brought the house down.
Rayados will now play against Philadelphia Union in the 3rd place game of the Leagues Cup while Nashville will play against Inter Milan in the Final next Saturday, August, 19 at GEODIS Park at 6 p.m. ET..