CONCACAF Champions Cup: America, Pachuca draw to open semis

First-half goals from Pachuca and Club America led to a 1-1 draw on Tuesday at Mexico City in the first leg of a CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal series.

Alejandro Zendejas opened the scoring for America in the 12th minute before Andres Micolta equalized in the 40th minute.

The teams will complete the two-leg, total-goal semifinal on April 30 in Pachuca, Mexico.

For the opening goal, America's Israel Reyes dribbled down the right wing and sent a cross into the box. The ball bounced off Henry Martin to teammate Zendejas, whose left-footed shot snuck inside the near post.

Pachuca pulled level on a set piece. Oussama Idrissi sent in a cross from 30 yards out on the left wing. Zendejas ran between defenders and powered home an uncontested header from 6 yards out.

The other semifinal series kicks off on Wednesday when the reigning MLS Cup champion Columbus Crew play host to Liga MX's Monterrey.