MIAMI, Florida – The semifinals of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup wrapped up on Thursday night after four exciting matches.
There were many excellent individual performances over the course of the semifinals, yet these 11 players stood out the most at their respective positions.
Goalkeeper
Douglas Forvis, Real Esteli – Forvis had a clean sheet in the 1-0 first leg win against CAI and would finish the semifinals with nine saves and five clearances.
Defenders
Orman Davis, CAI – Davis worked his socks off in the CAI defense in 162 minutes played. He had a steal as well.
Marvin Fletes, Real Esteli – Fletes’ superb Central American Cup continued with another outstanding two games against CAI, highlighted by a goal-line clearance in Thursday’s 2-2 second leg draw. He had three steals total in the semifinals.
Miguel Basulto, Herediano – Herediano were in the mix with Alajuelense until the very end thanks in part to Basulto, who had four steals and completed 92 percent of his passes.
Midfielders
Celso Borges, Alajuelense – If there is one certainty in life, it is Borges coming up with top performances in big Concacaf games. The veteran MF did it again with a goal in the second leg 2-2 draw.
Joel Campbell, Alajuelense – Campbell seemingly did it all for Alajuelense in scoring a goal, contributing an assist and making two steals. He also converted the winning penalty in the shootout.
Rafael Aguila, CAI – No player had more steals in the semifinals than Aguila, who had six total and also scored for his side in the second leg 2-2 draw with Real Esteli.
Bancy Hernandez, Real Esteli – Hernandez has a knack for scoring important goals for Real Esteli and he came through in a big way with one in the second leg at CAI. He also completed 85 percent of his passes.
Forwards
Abel Mendez, Real Esteli – Mendez was arguably the most valuable player of the entire semifinal round. He scored the lone goal in Real Esteli’s 1-0 first leg win and then assisted on both Real Esteli goals in the second leg.
Arley Bonilla, Real Esteli – Bonilla was very active throughout the two-legged series with CAI with five shots and he also scored a crucial late second goal in the second leg.
Johan Venegas, Alajuelense – Venegas thrives on Concacaf nights and the Central American Cup semifinals were no exception, as he had a goal and a steal for Alajuelense.
