Colorado-Comunicaciones on knife’s edge ahead of second leg

MIAMI, Florida – The 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 series between the Colorado Rapids and Comunicaciones of Guatemala stands on a knife’s edge heading into Wednesday’s second leg at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado.

2021 Scotiabank Concacaf League winners Comunicaciones earned a 1-0 win in the first leg thanks to an otherworldly strike from DF Karel Espino, whose shot from outside the area lasered into the back of net after taking a slight deflection.

It was the first victory for a Guatemalan side against a team from the United States in 11 SCCL matches and now the Cremas will try to either repeat that feat or earn a draw in their visit to the Rocky Mountains with the help of their dynamic duo in attack, Juan Anangono and Andres Lezcano, who combined for 11 SCL goals in 2021.

Recent history shows that the Chapines are a tough foe away from home in the SCCL. Two years ago in the 2020 edition, Comunicaciones battled to a 1-1 draw at Mexico’s Club America in the Round of 16 second leg.

While their campaign ended with a penalty shootout defeat, it showed that Comunicaciones are a tough out for any side in Concacaf.

The Rapids will look to kickstart their attack against Comunicaciones, with Jonathan Lewis one of the leaders of that forward line.

Lewis had two shots in the first leg and will need fellow attackers Diego Rubio and Michael Barrios to bring their best to overturn the 1-0 deficit and lock in a place in the tournament’s final eight.