CARSON, Calif. – Carlo Cudicini admittedly didn’t know much about CONCACAF soccer during his time in Europe, but since joining the LA Galaxy, the veteran Italian goalkeeper has become quickly familiar with the leagues of North America.
The Italian was solid in the CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals against C.S. Herediano as he allowed just a single goal over the two-leg series. However, the Italian knows that the two-time defending CCL champions will provide much more of a challenge than LA’s Quarterfinal opponents.
“Definitely, it’s a great test for us. Especially in the semifinals, we know that we have a big challenge in front of us, but we are up for it,” said Cudicini. “We want to do well in this competition so we know that it’s going to be hard, but hopefully we have the right mentality to go and play against these guys.”
As for Monterrey, Cudicini highlights forward Humberto “El Chupete” Suazo as a player that should give the Galaxy back four and himself a test on Wednesday.
“They have a striker [in Suazo] that is part of the national team and we know that he is a good strong guy,” said Cudicini. “Collectively, it’s a good team. They play with a solid defense and they’re very dangerous with free kicks and set pieces in general. Definitely for a team that won the last two editions, it must be something good in it.”
