Lacayo’s late strike lifts Comunicaciones over Alianza

MIAMI, Florida. – A late strike from Junior Lacayo earned Comunicaciones of Guatemala a 2-1 victory over Alianza of El Salvador in the first leg of the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16 on Wednesday night at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City, Guatemala.

It was a dream start for Comunicaciones, as Andres Lezcano handed the home side a 1-0 lead in the 5’ when Alianza failed to clear their lines and Jose Corena floated in a cross that Lezcano was able to head into goal.

Alianza looked to respond and Duvier Riascos nearly pulled the Salvadoran visitors level in the 21’ with a header that forced Comunicaciones GK Kevin Moscoso into a stretch save.

But Riascos would not be denied and managed to pull Alianza level 1-1 in the 36’ by meeting Bryan Tamacas’ cross from the right flank and redirecting into net for the equalizer.

Comunicaciones were keen to wrestle back control and nearly pulled ahead in the 74’ with a shot that trickled just wide of the diving foot of Juan Anangono at the far post.

Anangono would end up making a difference though in the 79’ with a flicked-on header off a throw-in that fell perfectly for the sliding foot of Lacayo, who finished for a 2-1 lead.

Moscoso was then called on to batten down the hatches, turning away a Rodolfo Zelaya free kick in the 83’ that was the final chance for the visitors, giving the Chapines the edge going into next week’s return leg.