Isidro Metapan (pictured) has won the last two Salvadoran league titles. (Photo: Salvador Melendez)
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – A place in history is at stake for Isidro Metapan, when it squares off against Aguila in the 2014 Salvadoran Apertura final on Sunday at the Estadio Cuscatlan.
The Caleros have been crowned champion on nine previous occasions, but are attempting to capture a third consecutive title for the first time. Aguila last lifted the trophy after getting past Metapan, 2-1, in the 2012 Clausura final, its only silverware in more than 13 years.
CONCACAF.com spoke to both head coached on the eve of the big match.
"It will be a difficult match against a team that plays football very well,” said Isidro Metapan head coach Jorge Rodriguez, whose side finished fourth in the regular season (28 points) and prevailed over first-place Santa Tecla in the semifinals (2-1 agg). “Both teams have important players. We are even, but we expect to win.”
Since the departure of head coach Jairo Rios in May, Aguila has been led by Argentine Daniel Messina. The 52-year -- a player with the club in 1992 -- guided the San Miguel-based squad to second place and a triumph over FAS in the semifinals (1-0 agg).
"It will be a difficult game,” Messina expressed. “They have a good coaching staff and good individuals. For the institution, it is very important to reach the final. We are a big team that must always be fighting for the title. Unfortunately, it was on the verge of decline, but now things are different.
"We arrived on equal terms to see who wins this final.”
The Apertura champion will qualify for the 2015/16 CONCACAF Champions League.
