LAFC head coach Steve Cherundolo gave praise to Liga MX side Monterrey ahead of their 2023 Leagues Cup quarter-final clash.
The Black and Gold have simply dominated in their two games in the tournament, toppling FC Juarez 7-1 and cruising to a 4-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. It's not really a surprise that the 2022 MLS Cup champions have been in top form when they've been well-rested after earning a group stage bye after winning MLS Cup last year.
But Cherundolo's side are coming up against one of the top sides in Mexico and in Concacaf in Monterrey, who are in second place in the 2023 Liga MX Apertura. Monterrey have also dominated the competition from the start and are one of the favorites to go on and lift the coveted trophy.
"Monterey is a top, top team with no weaknesses," Cherundolo said. "It's just a very well-balanced team, very hard team to beat. Also, for me, not a typical Liga MX team."
Cherundolo went on to explain that he believes the Mexican side are so good that they'd contend in some of the top leagues abroad.
"It's a team who you could place in a European league and wouldn't look out of place. They're big, they're strong, they're physical, they're fast, they can play vertical, they can play slow, they can combine. They have some finishers and some excellent defenders," he said.
Although the 44-year-old admires his quarter-final opponents, he also relishes the opportunity to prove himself against one of the biggest clubs in the region after falling to Club Leon in the Concacaf Champions League earlier this summer.
"Hopefully we'll get a lot of fans out, hopefully more for Black & Gold. But this is why we're playing this tournament, to see these types of matchups, and we’re looking forward to it."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Steve Cherundolo hails 'well-balanced' Monterrey ahead of Leagues Cup showdown.
