NYCFC out to avoid any surprises against Santos de Guapiles

MIAMI, Florida – New York City FC will be out to avoid any surprises when they face off against Santos de Guapiles of Costa Rica in the second leg of the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 on Wednesday night at Banc of California Stadium in Los Angeles, California.

NYCFC rode a Valentin Castellanos brace to a 2-0 victory in the first leg and can achieve their second ever SCCL series victory with either a win, draw or a defeat by a one-goal margin versus the Ticos.

But Castellanos isn’t the only key figure making things happen for MYCFC. Maxi Moralez is a steady presence in midfield, while defenders Alexander Callens and Maxime Chanot provided a sturdy back line so that GK Sean Johnson could register his second career SCCL clean sheet.

Despite their first leg defeat, though, Santos de Guapiles have the firepower to make things very interesting on Wednesday night.

The Ticos were led by Douglas Lopez in the first leg, who topped the team with three shots and 55 passes completed. Denilson Mason is another player capable of breaking a game open as well, evidenced by his two shots in the first leg.

In the back, it will be crucial to maintain a clean sheet, so the likes of veteran DF Juan Madrigal and GK Kevin Ruiz, who had four saves and two clearances in the first leg, will be called upon to deliver a strong performance.