Alajuelense title run, Real Esteli history among top moments

MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup concluded on Tuesday night, bringing an end to a tournament that delivered many great moments, yet these stood out the most. 

Alajuelense win first Concacaf title since 2020

Alajuelense are champions of the inaugural Central American Cup and they did it with style, winning their first six matches in the tournament, before edging domestic rivals Herediano in the semifinals and then defeating Real Esteli with a commanding 4-1 aggregate scoreline in the Final.

After narrowly losing the 2022 Concacaf League Final to Olimpia, it was sweet redemption for the Ticos to capture this title. It also marks the first Concacaf title for Alajuelense since the 2020 Concacaf League. The two-time Concacaf Champions Cup winners will now take aim at the 2024 Champions Cup, starting the tournament in the Round of 16 by virtue of winning this 2023 Central American Cup title

Suarez, Rodriguez, Moreira lead way in awards

In addition to capturing the title, Alajuelense also came away with the majority of the Central American Cup awards. In addition to claiming the Fair Play trophy, Alajuelense players Aaron Suarez, Dorian Rodriguez and Leonel Moreira took home individual honors.

Suarez was named the Best Player after scoring four goals in eight matches while completing more than 85 percent of his passes. Dorian Rodriguez took home the Best Young Player award, as the 20-year-old scored a goal in seven appearances. Moreira secured the Best Goalkeeper award for allowing just six goals in eight games and making 32 saves.

Real Esteli make history with first Final

Despite falling in the Final, Real Esteli can hold their heads very high for what they accomplished in this tournament. They became the first Nicaraguan club to reach a Concacaf Final and did so in impressive fashion.

They finished second in their group, defeating Honduran giants Olimpia along the way, before taking out three-time Concacaf champions Saprissa in the quarterfinals and then Panamanian champions CAI in the semifinals.

Herediano’s late winner to reach Champions Cup

There was a bevy of dramatic goals scored over the course of the Central American Cup, but one would be hard-pressed to find a more crucial and momentous score than Fernan Faerron’s goal in the third minute of second half stoppage time during Herediano’s 3-2 home win versus Comunicaciones in the quarterfinal second leg.

The Guatemalan side looked poised to not only advance to the semifinals but also qualify for the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup with the score reading 2-2 and the away goals in their favor, but Faerron would have the final say, scoring a goal that put his side through to the final four and clinched a Champions Cup spot.

Olancho, Coban Imperial win first Concacaf matches

History was also made for a pair of clubs participating in a Concacaf tournament for the first time ever: Olancho of Honduras and Coban Imperial of Guatemala. Drawn into a difficult Group D with regional heavyweights like Alajuelense and Motagua, Olancho held their own against those sides, narrowly losing 1-0 to both before defeating Verdes of Belize 3-2 to register their first Concacaf victory.

Coban Imperial’s Concacaf debut was definitely one to remember, as they took home a 4-1 win against Jocoro of El Salvador to emerge victorious in their first ever Concacaf match. Coban Imperial would go on to draw Panama’s Universitario, keeping them in the race for a knockout round spot until the final matchday.