Maximiliano Callorda (pictured) has scored eight goals for Municipal in the 2014 Guatemalan Apertura. (Photo: Mexsport)
GUATEMALA CITY, Guatemala – After beating Marquense 3-0 in its 2014 Guatemalan Apertura semifinal opener, Municipal only needs to avoid a loss by the same score in Sunday’s return leg to reach a second straight Guatemalan final.
On Thursday, Uruguayan Maximiliano Callorda scored two goals and El Salvador international Kevin Santamaria netted one as the host Rojos topped the regular season’s second-place side in impressive fashion.
"The first leg was perfect,” said Callorda, 24, who joined Municipal in June. "It is important for me (to score), but the main thing is that we won and we’re in good shape.”
Despite holding a seemingly comfortable advantage, Municipal’s impending task is far from simple.
Marquense is unbeaten at the Estadio Marquesa de la Ensenada in Apertura play with 9W-2D-0L record. A 1-1 draw was the result when they last met there on November 22. Callorda netted an equalizer in the second minute of second-half stoppage time.
Making matters more difficult for Municipal is that the Apertura’s joint-top-scorer Carlos Ruiz (12 goals) and defender Carlos Albizuris will miss out due to suspension.
The 29-time Guatemalan champion hasn’t won the title since the 2011 Apertura, so the opportunity to face rival and four-time defending champion Comunicaciones (2-1 aggregate winner v Suchitepequez) for the trophy is appealing.
"As a big team, we have to go to win at San Marcos to demonstrate authority,” expressed Callorda. "And, most importantly, try to reach the final in the best form.”
