HEREDIA, Costa Rica – The second ever Scotiabank Concacaf League final is set to kick off on Thursday between Herediano of Costa Rica and Motagua of Honduras.
Both teams boast a slew of talent in defense and attack. Here is a look at some of the key figures who will be on the field.
Herediano:
FW Yendrick Ruiz – Ruiz has been outstanding in the 2018 SCL. The 30-year-old FW is the joint top-scorer in the tournament with five goals and has 15 career Concacaf goals to his name. He is a threat anywhere in the opposing team’s half.
MF Jimmy Marin – The MF might be just 21 years old, but he is already showing the steady hand of a veteran. Marin plays centrally and can unbalance an opposing defense with the slightest of moves. His lack of fear suits a Herediano attack that likes to strike quickly.
DF Pablo Salazar – The 35-year-old DF and team captain has an astounding 32 Concacaf appearances under his belt. The right back will be tasked with shepherding a Herediano back line that has not conceded at home this season in the SCL.
Motagua:
FW Rubilio Castillo – Injuries have limited Castillo to just four matches thus far in the 2018 SCL, but when on the field Castillo is as dangerous as they come, evidenced by his three goals in the tournament. Castillo is the type of player who might not see a ball for 20 minutes, but then will score with his first touch.
MF Matias Galvaliz – The Argentine is the man who sets the table for the Motagua attack. He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and just the player you want in possession with the game on the line.
DF Henry Figueroa – A steady presence in the back, the Honduras center back anchors a defense that has recorded four clean sheets in the 2018 SCL. Figueroa has a knock for anticipating danger and is always strong on clearances.