MIAMI, Florida – GK Cesar Samudio saved a late first half penalty to help secure a 0-0 draw for Independiente of Panama against Canada’s Forge FC in the first leg of the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16 on Tuesday night at Tim Hortons Field in Hamilton, Ontario.

Independiente would have the first chance of the match, coming in the 10’ with a stinging left-footed effort from Guido Rouse that forced a stretch save from Forge GK Triston Henry.

But Forge would apply some attacking pressure toward the end of the first half and a slick move from David Choiniere inside the Independiente area resulted in a handball and a penalty to the hosts in the 38’. 

Daniel Krutzen was tasked with penalty duties, but saw his attempt saved by Samudio, who guessed correctly and made the diving save to his right.

There was also a gilt-edged chance for Independiente before halftime when a loose ball fell to Martin Moran right in front of the Forge goal, but his effort went over the crossbar.

The action stayed end-to-end into the second half with chances for both sides, including a rocket from Forge’s Kyle Bekker in the 58’ that produced a fingertip save from Samudio.

Forge continued to push for a winning goal, but Samudio and the Independiente defense held firm for the scoreless draw, leaving things wide open going into next week’s second leg.