MIAMI, Florida – The first leg matches of the 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League semifinals saw a number of players deliver top performances. Here are the ones who stood out the most at their respective position.
GK Leonel Moreira, Alajuelense – The Costa Rican club emerged with a 3-0 win at Real Espana thanks in part to solid goalkeeping from Moreira, who made five saves and five clearances to record the clean sheet victory.
DF Alexis Gamboa, Alajuelense – Gamboa helped anchor a strong defensive effort for Alajuelense, who constantly frustrated the Real Espana attack, leading to goals in transition for his side. Gamboa completed 94 percent of his passes, too.
DF Giancarlo Gonzalez, Alajuelense – Gonzalez was seemingly in the middle of every single 50-50 challenge and fearlessly dueled with the Real Espana dangermen on aerial balls. He finished with two steals and earned the highest ranking among defenders.
DF Carlos Melendez, Motagua – Not only was Melendez perfect in completing all 12 of his passes in the 0-0 draw with Olimpia, but he also helped thwart a dangerous Olimpia attack that had scored seven goals in the previous round.
MF Diego Rodriguez, Motagua – Rodriguez finished as the top-ranked midfielder after completing 73 of his 76 passes, while adding a steal and taking two shots along the way.
MF Jhow Benavidez, Real Espana – Real Espana’s evening may have ended with a 3-0 loss to Alajuelense, but Benavidez was a bright spot with a steal, a shot and an astounding 113 of 114 passes completed.
MF Freddy Gondola, Alajuelense – Gondola’s artful redirection of a Johan Venegas shot fooled Real Espana GK Luis Lopez and opened the scoring for Alajuelense. It was a crucial goal to cap a performance that also included a steal and two shots.
MF Celso Borges, Alajuelense – Borges just seems to get better with age. The 34-year-old scored a majestic goal to give Alajuelense a 3-0 lead with an impeccable chip over the head of Lopez. Borges also had a steal and completed 94 percent of his passes.
FW Brayan Moya, Olimpia – Moya came within inches of handing Olimpia a late winner with a buzzing short that skimmed the top of the Motagua crossbar. He finished the night with three shots.
FW Johan Venegas, Alajuelense – The SCL’s all-time top scorer added to his impressive tally with his 16th goal, which was the second of the night for Alajuelense. He also showed off his playmaking side with two assists.
FW Eddie Hernandez, Motagua – Hernandez was one of the most active players in attack for Motagua with three shots taken. Hernandez also completed 91 percent of his passes.