CCL Roundup: Martinez lifts RSL over Santa Tecla
Real Salt Lake 2 -- Santa Tecla 1
RSL summoned a trio of starters from the bench to overcome a second-half deficit and take firm control in Group G. Santa Tecla weathered a first-half storm before opening the scoring through Irvin Herrera just after the hour. RSL coach Jeff Cassar promptly sent Kyle Beckerman, Javier Morales and Burrito Martinez into the fray to rectify matters. Morales -- despite aggravating a hip complaint along the way -- prompted Olmes Garcia’s equalizer and then slipped Martinez through for the winner inside the final 20 minutes. RSL needs only a point in the Group G finale against Municipal on Oct. 20 to secure a place in the last eight.
Isidro Metapan 1 -- Tigres UANL 2
Ikechukwu Uche scored his first goal for Tigres to snatch all three points in El Salvador. Former U.S. international José Torres handed Tigres the lead after 23 minutes, but Josué Flores converted from the spot 10 minutes before halftime to restore parity. The back and forth continued until Nigeria forward Uche struck after 64 minutes to protect Tigres’ perch atop Group B and eliminate Metapan. Ricardo Ferretti’s side requires only a point against C.S. Herediano next month to seal a quarterfinal berth.
Walter Ferretti 1 -- Motagua 2
Israel Silva kept Motagua’s flickering hopes of advancing out of Group E alive with his winner in second-half stoppage time. Motagua appeared on course for the points much earlier when Erick Andino procured the lead from the spot a minute before halftime, but the Nicaraguan side equalized through Raúl Leguias with a quarter of an hour to play. Silva staved off elimination with his late goal to keep at least some hope alive ahead of Club América’s visit to Tegucigalpa next month.
