Fernando Ortiz’s Rejects Leagues Cup Third-Place Game; Is Jermaine Seoposenwe Ready for Debut?

CF Monterrey’s Leagues Cup 2023 went out with a sad horn. After losing 2-0 to Nashville SC on Tuesday at Geodis Park, Rayados couldn’t pack their bags and head home.

The Mexican club had to play a third-place game against the Philadelphia Union for a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup. However, there’s one problem: Monterrey already has its place secured. 

As a result, there was little incentive to play this match. Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz believes this was an unnecessary contest for the club. 

“In my opinion, it was not necessary for many things, but this was the case,” Ortiz told reporters (h/t ABC Noticias). “We have to accept it; we accept it. It was not the score we wanted, but I am satisfied with the performance of my players.”

So it explains why the Argentine manager filled the starting 11 with players from their youth academy and the bench. As you might have expected, it was a disaster of a game, with Rayados falling 3-0 on Saturday at Subaru Park.

Monterrey can fully pay attention to the end of their summer transfer window and the 2023 Apertura season. Ortiz’s squad will look to put this sour ending in Leagues Cup behind them and lift the league title this season to end the year on a high note. 

Rayadas’ Jermaine Seoposenwe ready to go after her first training session?

After a 1-0 loss to CD Guadalajara Femenil on Thursday at the Estadio Akron, CF Monterrey Femenil could use some good news, right? Well, the Rayadas’ forward group is about to receive a boost with Jermaine Seoposenwe on her way. 

“First session under the belt!” Seoposenwe tweeted Saturday. “Felt good to be back to full training! The hard work begins now.”

Seoposenwe signed a two-year contract in late June to reinforce the squad led by manager Eva Espejo. However, the 29-year-old was with the South African national team, preparing for and participating in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Rayadas’ next contest will be on Monday, when they look for a bounce-back win against FC Juárez Femenil at the Estadio BBVA.