MIAMI, Florida – The 2023 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League is off and running with the first leg matches of the Round of 16 taking place this past week. There were a number of excellent individual performances over the course of the eight games, yet these 11 players stood out the most at their respective position.
GK Pedro Gallese, Orlando City SC – The MLS side made their debut in the SCCL against former champions Tigres and came away with a 0-0 draw thanks to Gallese, whose nine saves were the best among all GKs this week in the SCCL, earning him Player Of The Match honors.
DF Ryan Raposo, Vancouver Whitecaps – Raposo contributed on both ends for the Whitecaps in the 5-0 win versus Real Espana, with a goal and an assist in attack, along with a steal and 98 percent of passes completed. The 24-year-old Canadian was named Player Of The Match for his efforts.
DF Carlos Melendez, Motagua – No other defender came even close to matching the 10 steals amassed by Melendez in Motagua’s 0-0 draw with Pachuca. He also completed 93 percent of his passes. He was an easy call for Player Of The Match honors.
DF Ivan Moreno, Club Leon – Moreno was the right man at the right place for Club Leon in pouncing on a deflection to score the lone goal in Club Leon’s 1-0 win at Tauro. His decisive strike merited Player Of The Match honors.
MF Ilie Sanchez, Los Angeles FC – Playing in front of an intense atmosphere away from home did not faze Los Angeles FC, thanks to the calm control of Sanchez in midfield. The Spaniard had an assist and completed 52 of 56 passes in the 3-0 win at Alajuelense.
MF Jorge Alvarez, Olimpia – Alvarez finished as the highest rated midfielder after contributing an astounding three assists in Olimpia’s 4-1 win over Atlas. He finished the night completing 67 of 69 passes.
MF Ryan Gauld, Vancouver Whitecaps – Gauld was one of many Vancouver players enjoying a banner night, with two assists to go along with completing 87 percent of his passes.
MF Julian Gressel, Vancouver Whitecaps – Not far behind teammate Gauld was Gressel with two shots registered and an assist. He also completed 53 of 54 passes.
FW Denis Bouanga, Los Angeles FC – The Gabon international won’t soon forget his SCCL debut, as he scored a hat trick in LAFC’s victory in Costa Rica. All three goals came in the second half, making him an easy choice for Player Of The Match.
FW Miche-Naider Chery, Violette AC – Violette became the first Haitian club to win an SCCL match thanks in large part to Chery, who had two goals and tormented the Austin FC defense in a 3-0 win. Chery collected Player Of The Match honors for his performance.
FW Jorge Benguche, Olimpia –Olimpia are in firm control of their series against Atlas after a stellar outing for Benguche, who scored two goals, the second being a wondergoal with a chip of the Atlas GK, earning the distinction of Player Of The Match.
