Alejandra “Alex” Godínez is embraced by a team mate after stopping a penalty during the semifinal against the Portland Thorns (Photo by Diego G Diaz).
In the second match of the semifinals of the ICC International Champions Cup, the Portland Thorns faced Mexico’s champion, C. F. Monterrey for a spot on Saturday’s final in front of a crowd of ten thousand, that included a few fans of the Mexican side.
The match had the local side as a favorite, and the Thorns seemed comfortable dictating the pace at first. Portland dominated and scored quick during the fifth minute, when Marissa Everett beat Monterrey’s goal keeper Alejandra Godínez, after a combination between Janine Beckie and Jazmeen Ryan. Portland kept dictating the pace, but with the minutes, Monterrey started to feel more confortable and threatening to the goal defended by Abby Smith.
The second half saw a Portland missing that edge in the final stretch, generating danger, but unable to score, and an skilled Monterrey that challenged the Thorns and gained momentum. Monterrey leveled the score in minute 68, via Diana García, to the surprise of an incredulous crowd. Both teams had chances to to win the final outright with multiple goal chances, but referee Ekatelina Koroleva, would end the regular time with a 1-1 draw.
The penalty shootout found an inspired Monterrey keeper completed the upset stop a critical penalty when her side was already one goal up. Alejandra Godínez raised again as critical piece in a final as she did when they won the Liga BBVA Femenil, where she stopped two penalties during the shoot-out, against Tigres UNAM.
The celebration had fireworks going outside the stadium, and means that C.F. Monterrey will face the current European Champions League winner, Olympique Lyonnais, in Saturday’s final.
(Photos by Diego G Diaz)
