GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Phoenix, Ariz. native Ventura Alvarado started in the biggest match of his career on Thursday as Club América took a huge leap towards the Liga MX final by defeating Monterrey 3-0 in the Estadio Tecnológico in the first leg of the semifinal series.
The 22-year-old stepped in to replace injured Mexico international Paul Aguilar at right back and completed the full 90 minutes.
Alvarado dealt well with the threat of Monterrey’s speedy winger Cándido Ramírez in an authoritative performance. He rarely joined in on the attack, but was assured in possession as América dominated.
The return leg is on Sunday at the Estadio Azteca (7 pm ET, Univision Deportes, UniMas), with Monterrey needing to score at least four to have a chance of going through.
In the other semifinal, Herculez Gomez and Jose Torres both started in Tigres’ 0-0 tie on the road to Toluca in a tight and tactical affair.
Gomez went 59 minutes up front and put in a hard-working display, without receiving the service to get clear chances at goal. The former LA Galaxy striker’s best opportunity came in the 52nd minute when he sent a free-kick from 25 yards over the crossbar.
Torres played the first half on the left of midfield but wasn’t effective as Toluca got the better of the game. After halftime, he moved into a central position and looked more comfortable, going close with a shot from outside the box in the 55th, before he was taken off 15 minutes later.
Tigres have now gone 13 matches unbeaten, but will have to be wary in Sunday’s second leg at the Estadio Universitario (5 pm ET, Univision), with away goals proving the tiebreaker in the Liga MX playoffs.
Tom Marshall covers Americans based in Mexico for MLSsoccer.com.
