MIAMI, Florida – The first leg matches of the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16 saw a number of players deliver top performances. Here are the ones who stood out the most at their respective position.
GK Mario Gonzalez, Alianza – Alianza picked up a big 2-0 away win at Verdes thanks in part to Gonzalez, who made four saves on the night to register the clean sheet.
DF Franklin Flores, Real Espana – Real Espana enjoyed a successful start in their series with Costa Rican club Cartagines with a 2-0 victory. Left back Flores had a big role in that defensive effort, with an assist and a steal on top of completing 100 percent of his passes.
DF Getsel Montes, Real Espana – Joining Flores in that defensive effort with Real Espana was Montes, who anchored the back line, making four steals while also attempting a shot on goal. Montes also completed all of his passes.
DF Erick Tellez, Diriangen – Going up against reigning champions Comunicaciones of Guatemala, Diriangen were very impressive in a 1-0 win in Guatemala City and a big reason for that clean sheet was Tellez, who made three steals and completed 100 percent of his passes to help Diriangen achieve their first ever SCL win.
MF Diego Rodriguez, Motagua – Rodriguez was a workhorse in the middle of the field for Motagua, who downed Cibao FC of the Dominican Republic 1-0. Rodriguez completed 93 of 97 passes, while also making a steal and taking two shots.
MF Alexander Lopez, Alajuelense – The 2020 Golden Ball winner showed why he remains one of the best in the Central American region with a goal and a steal in Alajuelense’s commanding 5-0 win against Alianza of Panama.
MF Carlos Mejia, Motagua – Mejia made the most if his 22 minutes on the field by scoring Motagua’s winning goal, making a steal and completing 38 passes.
MF Eduardo Rotondi, Municipal – Rotondi scored for the third straight SCL match in a row with his penalty conversion against Olimpia, helping his team rally from a 2-0 deficit for a 2-2 draw. Rotondi finished the night with a goal on six shots and an assist.
MF Jefferson Brenes, Herediano – Brenes came off the bench and became the hero for Herediano with the winning goal in the 1-0 victory in Canada against Pacific FC. Brenes also completed all of his passes.
FW Doryan Rodriguez, Alajuelense – Rodriguez achieved a classic hat trick, scoring Alajuelense’s first three goals in the 5-0 win versus Alianza. Rodriguez also contributed on the defensive end with two steals.
FW Ramiro Peters, Diriangen – Peters’ name will forever live in Diriangen lore, as his goal helped the club earn their first ever SCL win in the 1-0 final against Comunicaciones. Peters also had a steal to round out his memorable night.