Chinwendu Ihezuo notches her sixth Mexican Liga MX goal as Monterrey fall to Atlas

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward Chinwendu Ihezuo scored her sixth league goal of her debut season for Monterrey as the team suffered a 3-2 loss to Atlas in the Mexican Liga MX encounter at the Jalisco Stadium on Saturday.

Las Rayadas as Monterrey are fondly called were on the attack for most of the first half and tried to open the scoring in Guadalajara, however, the host were more forceful and took the win.

After a cross from Daniela Cruz, Carolina Venegas finished off with a header and opened the scoring for the Red and Black in the 44th minute.

In the second half, Monterrey searched for the equaliser and it was Chinwendu and Aylin Aviléz who gave the albiazules an equalizer on two occasions.

Moments after the start of the second half, Mónica Flores crossed for Chinwendu, who, after the bad catch from Vania Villalobos, Atlas’ goalkeeper, shot at goal and tied the game in the 46th minute.

After a free kick taken by Valeria Razo from midfield, Rebeca Bernal blocked the ball and the rebound went to Venegas, who shot with her left foot and gave the locals the lead again in the 53rd minute.

Diana Evangelista reached the bottom line and sent a delayed cross.  Aylin Aviléz received the ball and with her right leg tied the game in the 70th minute.

Rebeca Bernal in the additional minutes of the second half tried to clear the ball but it get to Alejandra Lomelí, who scored the winning goal for Atlas with a powerful shot.

Ihezuo replaced Carlee Giammona in the 46th minute before scoring her sixth goal of the campaign after 11 games.

With this result, the Rayadas remain at 36 points and still remain in first place in the league table.

On Monday, May 15, the team will host Atlético de San Luis Femenil at the BBVA Stadium to play the last game of the Regular Phase of the 2023 Clausura Tournament.