MIAMI, Florida - Harold Medina, Javon East, and Carlos Small took the spotlight among their peers to be selected in the Best XI of the Group Stage of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup.
There were many excellent individual performances over the course of the group stage, yet these 11 players stood out the most at their respective positions.
GK Esteban Alvarado, Saprissa – Alvarado didn’t concede a single goal in the four-group stage matches and made 18 saves and eight clearances along the way.
DF Jorkaeff Azofeifa, Saprissa – Azofeifa was effective in the back with two steals and seven clearances, while up top he had two assists.
DF Douglas Lopez, Cartagines – With four steals and two clearances, plus almost 92 percent of passes completed, Lopez was a huge reason why Cartagines progressed to the quarterfinals.
DF Antonio Lopez, Comunicaciones – Lopez did it on both ends, with a goal and two assists, while making six steals and a clearance in defense.
MF David Guzman, Saprissa – Guzman always seems to be at his best in Concacaf games and completed nearly 90 percent of his passes in the four games. He contributed an assist and had six steals.
MF Harold Medina, Real Esteli – The Nicaraguan club made history by winning three games in a Concacaf tournament for the first time, and Medina played a big role with the winning goal in the 1-0 triumph over Olimpia, plus an assist.
MF Michael Barrantes, Alajuelense – No stranger to big Concacaf games, Barrantes helped Alajuelense win all four games, scoring two goals.
MF Yeison Mejia, Motagua – Mejia shepherded the Motagua attack for much of the group stage, scoring three goals, including the winning scores against Sporting San Miguelito and Olancho.
FW Agustin Auzmendi, Motagua – Auzmendi finished the group stage as the top scorer with four goals. He started off with a bang, notching a hat trick in the 5-0 win versus Verdes before tallying his fourth goals on Thursday night against Alajuelense.
FW Javon East, Saprissa – East was a menace for opposing defenses, scoring three goals on just eight shots, while opening space for his fellow attackers.
FW Carlos Small, Independiente – Small proved decisive in every match for Independiente, scoring in three of his team’s four games. He also had three clearances and a steal.
