CIUDAD GUATEMALA, Guatemala – Comunicaciones will have a comeback on their mind when they take on New York City FC in the second leg of their 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League quarterfinal series on Tuesday night at the Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores in Guatemala City, Guatemala.
The New Yorkers took the first leg 3-1, but it was a tough duel throughout and for a stretch of the second half the scoreline was level at 1-1.
That was in large part due to the intensity and pressure displayed from Comunicaciones, with Kevin Lopez leading the way with an assist, to go along with five shots and three ball recoveries. Finishing off the Guatemalan club’s best spell of the match was Manuel Gamboa, who provided the score off a pass from Lopez.
That score could prove to be very crucial in Tuesday’s second leg in which a 2-0 win for the Cremas would be enough to secure passage to a historic semifinal, making Comunicaciones the first Guatemalan club to reach the final four of the SCCL.
Yet the home side will have to contend with a NYCFC team that has handled the difficulties of playing away in the SCCL with aplomb. In two matches overall on Central American soil, NYCFC have two wins, while outscoring opponents 7-3.
Valentin Castellanos played a huge role in NYCFC’s first leg win with a goal and two assists, while Maximiliano Moralez and Santiago Rodriguez also contributed scores.
An initial goal for Comunicaciones could make for a grandstand finish, while NYCFC would like nothing more than a goal to put Comunicaciones on their heels.
Game Notes, Stats Comunicaciones vs NYCFC
