Nashville SC head coach Gary Smith praised his 2023 Leagues Cup semi-final opponents Monterrey ahead of their clash at GEODIS Park.
In an MLS - Liga MX semi-final, two teams from two different leagues with two completely different playing styles meet in what looks set to be an exciting encounter with a trip to the Leagues Cup final on the line.
The hosts, Nasvhille, are expected to concede most of the possession to Monterrey, essentially playing like the away team. However, it's worked so far for Smith's side, and they will hope that their forwards Sam Surridge, Fabrice Picault, and Hany Mukhtar can be clinical enough to advance to the final.
On the flip side, Monterrey couldn't be more different than their opponents. The Mexican giants like to play the game on their terms by keeping hold of the ball and suffocating the opposition with constant movement and quick passes.
"I think they have got a wonderful attacking look to them and a real open-minded approach, if you like, to attacking play, which is always difficult to deal with. What and how we can contend with that will be a major factor in whether or not we get a result," Smith said of Rayados.
Nashville have made their home ground a fortress, and Smith hopes that his side will take full advantage of having their supporters behind them.
"But of course, a very big part of the process for us is to be able to take advantage of our home field with being confident, positive and we've had some very good results here just recently. I don't see any reason why we can't be as aggressive and ask as many questions as maybe they would ask us."
As the Tennessee based club have put the rest of the league on notice in recent seasons, they're still searching for their first ever trophy - and what better way to accomplish that feat by taking down one of the biggest teams in the region and triumphing over potentially Inter Miami and Lionel Messi or a similarly defensive Philadelphia Union team?
"This is what we're here for," Smith stated. "As an organization, we want to be in a position competing for silverware. If we're going to do that, we've got to put ourselves in these spots. Tough semifinal game, great environment I'm sure come Tuesday, and a terrific opportunity in an exciting situation."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Gary Smith hails Liga MX's Monterrey ahead of Leagues Cup semi-final battle.