Who are Las Rayadas?
Who are Las Rayadas?
Better known by its nickname, Las Rayadas––which roughly translates to “the striped ones,” after the stripes on its jerseys––C.F. Monterrey joined this year’s WICC after the NWSL’s Washington Spirit pulled out in June.
Founded in 2016 at the same time as the Liga MX Femenil, Monterrey is the youngest side in the tournament and arguably the most unknown, despite its status as domestic champions. Two-time Liga MX winners, Las Rayadas look to challenge themselves against the best women’s club teams in the world, beginning with the Portland Thorns FC on Aug. 17 (8 p.m. PT, ESPN+).
Read about the other teams coming to Portland:
Names to watch:
Daniela Solís
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Daniela Solís’ soccer career took root just outside the Rose City. She played for Southside Albion –– a club based in Tigard –– between her U10 and U16 years. A two-time conference player of the year at nearby Sherwood High School in the late 2000’s, Solís went on to play college soccer at Portland State.
With 114 appearances and 48 goals under her belt as a forward for Las Rayadas, the 2022 WICC tournament will be a homecoming of sorts for a player who grew up on the other side of Portland’s west hills.
Christina Burkenroad
The first step to shutting Monterrey down is containing versatile forward Christina Burkenroad. Drafted by the Orlando Pride out of college, the 29-year-old American forward has already scored five goals this season.
With 33 goals since joining Las Rayadas in 2020, Burkenroad is a worthy adversary and could be capable of giving Portland’s back line a real challenge on Wednesday night.
Rebeca Bernal
Monterrey’s captain, the defender has been with the club for all but one season of its existence. Integral to Las Rayadas’ spine, Bernal is also capable of putting the ball into the back of the net; she hasx scored 30 goals in the 126 games she has played.
Diana Evangelista
Another attacking threat, Diana Evangelista compliments Burkenroad along Monterrey’s front line, creating one of the more dangerous attacks in Mexican soccer. The Mexico international has scored 41 goals in 117 appearances.
Did you know?
- Monterrey and fierce rivals Tigres UANL Feminil played against one another in Liga MX Femenil’s two-legged grand final, both in front of sold out crowds.
- Like Portland, Monterrey is in the middle of its Apertura season. Neither Chelsea nor Lyon have played a domestic match yet.
- Five games into the 2022 season, Monterrey has lost just once.
