TEGUCIGALPA. - Honduras and Nicaragua drew 1-1 at the Chelato Ucles Stadium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The result signified split points in Group B of League B in the 2023 Road to W Gold Cup tournament.
The home side nearly took the lead in the 11’ as Lesbia Puerto was denied by the top post. The opportunity came from a throw-in that quickly developed into a cross to the far post as Denessis Santos and Kendra Haylock combined to set up Puerto.
Yessenia Flores had a pair of opportunities for Nicaragua in the 14’ and 15’ but was blocked on the first attempt by Nicolle Garcia and closed down on the latter shot by Barbara Murillo.
Diana Lopez broke through for Nicaragua with the opening goal in the 40’, as she received the ball on the edge of the box and picked her spot on the far side netting.
Nicaragua nearly doubled their lead in the 64’ but Ninoska Solis was denied by the left post after a ball pushed out by Honduran goalkeeper Sherrie Arzu.
Barbara Murillo equalized for Honduras in the 71’ from a corner kick. The kick was headed out towards the penalty arc as the Honduran defender caught the right hit on the volley.
Sherrie Arzu kept Nicaragua honest in the closing moments, including denying Alys Cruz in the 87’ on a potent shot from distance. The Honduran shot-stopper finished the night with three saves, while Nicaragua’s Gutierrez had four to her name.
Honduras improved to four points to maintain second place in the group and stay on the heels of group leaders El Salvador, separated by two points. Nicaragua earned its first point of the season and occupies third place.
