Jose Antonio Noriega: From Player to Sporting President of Rayados

Today, Jose Antonio Noriega is the sporting president of Rayados, but 30 years ago he won his first title with the institution as a player.

On August 1, 1993, Monterrey achieved their first international title by winning the Concacaf Cup Winners' Cup.

La Pandilla lifted the confederation's crown in Los Angeles, California, by defeating Club Deportivo Luis Angel Firpo, guided by Sergio Verdirame's brace.

In that match, the regio club became champions by beating the Salvadoran club 4-3, thanks to goals from Verdirame, Gerardo Jimenez, and Luis "Matador" Hernandez.

Raul Toro and Celio Rodriguez also scored two goals for the "Pamperos," but it wasn't enough to equalize the score.

Rayados had reached the Cup Winners' Cup thanks to the Copa Mexico title won in the 91-92 season.

After a knockout round with 12 teams, Monterrey qualified by defeating San Jose Oaks in the North American Zone, repechage against US Robert of Martinique, and reaching the final round robin stage, where they secured first place and the crown.

In the final round, Monterrey competed against Real Espana (1-1) from Honduras and Suchitepequez (2-0) from Guatemala, and closed against the Salvadoran team.

"El Tato" started that match held at Nou Camp Stadium, where players like Ruben Ruiz Diaz, Richard Tavares, and Gerardo Jimenez also featured, all under the guidance of Hugo Hernandez.

To date, Rayados has become an internationally successful team, winning the Concacaf Champions League five times.

In 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2019, and 2021, and they are currently participating in the Leagues Cup, where they have advanced to the round of 16 and will face Portland on Friday.