MIAMI, Florida – The first leg matches of the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League semifinals took place this week in which there were a number of memorable moments. Here are the five that stood out the most.

Venegas displays attacking showcase

2020 champions Alajuelense took a big step toward reaching their second SCL final with a 3-0 win at Real Espana. Johan Venegas played a major role in the win with a goal and two assists. The all-time top scorer in tournament history increased his SCL tally to 16 goals. It was his first goal in an SCL semifinal and his fourth against a Honduran opponent. It was also the 14th straight match in the SCL without a defeat for Alajuelense, who are 9W-5D-0L in that span.

Borges shows class with savvy score

While the likes of Venegas drew the headlines in the wake of Alajuelense’s victory, what should not be forgotten is the class shown by veteran midfielder Celso Borges on the third Alajuelense goal. It came via a counterattack on which Venegas slid a pass into the center to a wide-open Borges, and the 34-year-old, with all the calm and cool in the world, played an exquisite chip over the head of Real Espana’s star GK Luis Lopez to cap a magical night for the Ticos.

Rougier’s soaring save denies Bengtson

The biggest SCL games always seem to bring the best out of Motagua GK Jonathan Rougier, who delivered one of the biggest saves of the tournament in his side’s 0-0 first leg draw with rivals Olimpia. With Olimpia knocking on the door throughout the second half, Rougier was tested regularly and none more so when a Jerry Bengston header was whipped toward goal. The ball seemed destined for the back of the net, only for Rougier to use his fingertips to direct the ball onto the crossbar and eventually out of play. On what was his 32nd SCL appearance, breaking the record for most SCL appearances by a player, Rougier had one of his finest performances in net.

Menjivar adds to clean sheet tally

When a clean sheet is needed, there are few better to get the job done than Olimpia GK Edrick Menjivar. In Olimpia’s 0-0 draw with Motagua, Menjivar registered his fifth career SCL clean sheet, matching him with Panamanian Eric Hughes for the most clean sheets by a GK in the SCL. More importantly, it kept Motagua off the scoreboard and gives Olimpia an excellent chance to reach its second SCL Final with a win at home in next week’s second leg.

Full stadiums produce vibrant atmospheres

The players and coaches certainly did their jobs during the week with their performances and game plans, but the same can be said for the fans. Both the Estadio Francisco Morazan in San Pedro Sula and the Estadio Nacional Chelato Ucles were full of supporters in full voice, making for a vibrant and boisterous atmosphere in both games. It was the epitome of passionate support that is so often seen and enjoyed in the Concacaf region.