MIAMI. - The 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup has concluded its group stage as eight clubs move on to the quarterfinals. Many players delivered outstanding performances, yet these eleven stood out the most in their respective positions.
Here is a look at the 2024 Concacaf Central American Cup Best XI for the group stage fixtures:
Goalkeeper
Fredy Pérez, Comunicaciones FC – The Guatemalan shot-stopper posted 24 saves, the second-most in the group stage, to help Comunicaciones FC finish in second place in Group B and seal a spot in the quarterfinals.
Defenders
Miguel Basulto, CS Herediano – One of the most accurate passers in the group stage with a 91.89% completion rate, Basulto helped Herediano to an undefeated start and first place in Group A. The Mexican defender contributed three steals and nine clearances to a defense that posted three clean sheets and only allowed one goal.
José Ardón, Antigua GFC – Antigua was another club that started undefeated in part due to the contributions of José Ardón. The Guatemalan defender had a spectacular group stage with 21 clearances and eight steals. He also helped on the offensive end with three goals and seven shots.
Ronald Rodríguez, CD Águila – The stingy Águila defense was one of two sides that only allowed one goal, the least number of goals conceded in the group stage, to finish first in Group C. Rodríguez contributed nine steals and six clearances. The Salvadoran defender also added a goal on the offensive side.
Midfielders
Edwin Rodríguez, CD Olimpia – The Honduran midfielder helped the Olimpia to a 2-1-1 record in the group stage with one goal and two assists. Rodríguez also contributed 11 steals and 12 shots as the Honduran champions narrowly missed the quarterfinals on the final matchday.
Styven Vásquez, CD Luis Angel Firpo – With three goals and two assists, the 21-year-old midfielder showed why he is one of El Salvador’s promising young prospects.
Diego Campos, LD Alajuelense – With five goals and one assist, Costa Rican midfielder Deigo Campos helped the reigning champions to a perfect 4-0-0 to start their title defense and finish first place in Group B.
Harold Medina, Real Estelí FC – The 22-year-old Nicaraguan played 337 minutes to help Real Estelí FC reach the quarterfinals, including a crucial stoppage-time goal against CSD Municipal in the team’s second match – a result that ended directly deciding second place in Group D.
Forwards
Rubilio Castillo, FC Motagua – The Honduran forward scored two goals to help FC Motagua finish second in Group A. One of the goals came in the final match to help take a crucial point against group leaders Herediano and one that sealed the trip to the quarterfinals.
Javon East, Deportivo Saprissa – With two goals and two assists, the Jamaican striker helped Saprissa to a first-place finish in Group D. East scored the opening goals in the two opening matches to help the Costa Rican side begin with six points.
Byron Bonilla, Real Estelí FC – With two goals and one assist, the Nicaraguan forward helped Estelí finish second place in Group D and keep its hopes alive of returning to the final for a consecutive edition. His brace against Saprissa marked the only defeat for the Costa Ricans, who won the group by two points.
