PANAMA CITY – Panama’s Sporting San Miguelito vaulted into the race for Group D of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup with a 4-0 victory over Verdes of Belize on Wednesday night at the Estadio Rommel Fernandez in Panama City, Panama.
Sporting San Miguelito now sit on three points after two games, just three points behind group leaders Motagua and Alajuelense, while Verdes are still searching for their first result through three matches.
Sporting San Miguelito could not have asked for a better start, as they grabbed an early 1-0 lead in the 14’. Veteran strike Gabriel Torres was fouled in the Verdes area, and like he has done so often in his storied career, he showed poise and composure in converting the spot kick for his side.
Verdes FC had a few good looks to try to get back on level terms, including an effort from Marco Zavala midway through the half, but nothing that truly troubled Sporting San Miguelito GK Jose Guerra.
Sporting San Miguelito came out strong to start the second half as well and doubled their lead to 2-0 in the 53’ on a well-placed cross from Jorlian Sanchez from the right wing that met the swinging right foot of Emmanuel Gomez.
A special moment then came for the hosts right before the hour mark when youngster Adan Hendricks came off the bench to make his Sporting San Miguelito first team debut who directed into goal a deflection off a corner kick to make it 3-0.
Sporting San Miguelito kept the momentum going and added on their fourth and final goal of the night in the 81’ through Alexis Corpas, whose tidy finish at the near post on the right edge of the area completed the 4-0 scoreline.
