The Copa Centroamericana has reached its final stages, and Saturday's games will not only determine regional bragging rights, but places in future continental competitions as well. Be sure to check back this evening for up-to-date results and recaps of the games at the LA Memorial Coliseum this evening, and check out the Copa Centroamericana homepage for more coverage of the tournament.
Guatemala 1, Costa Rica 2 - Title game
Costa Rica are the champions of Central America for the eighth time in their history after edging a thrilling contest against Guatemala that featured some of the best goals of the tournament. As a result, Los Ticos have also booked their place in the 2016 Copa America Centenario.
The Guatemalans, led by longtime MLS man Carlos Ruiz and Seattle Sounders winger Marco Pappa, who finished as the tournament's top scorer with four goals, went ahead in the 25th minute after Ruiz was bundled over in the box by New York Red Bulls defender Roy Miller, featuring for Costa Rica. Ruiz took the resulting penalty himself and converted to the delight of a strong Guatemalan contingent at the LA Memorial Coliseum.
Their joy would be short-lived, however, as World Cup star Bryan Ruiz struck with a brilliant left-footed free kick to the goalkeeper's side just three minutes later.
The action picked up right where it left off in the second half, with Costa Rica 'keeper Patrick Pemberton called into action in the 51st minute to spectacularly deny Guatemala defender Carlos Gallardo on a free header.
The World Cup quarterfinalists made that save count seven minutes later when midfielder Juan Bustos unleashed an effort from 30 yards that left 'keeper Ricardo Jerez no chance.
Los Chapines had their chances after falling behind, none more spectacular than a Carlos Ruiz bicycle kick goal in the 67th minute that was narrowly – but correctly – ruled out for offside, but Bustos' heroics ultimately held up as Costa Rica continued their regional dominance.
In addition to Miller, Portland Timbers winger Rodney Wallace also featured for the Ticos in their winning run, though returned to his club team prior to the final.
Honduras 1, Nicaragua 0 - Fifth-place game
Honduras finished a forgettable tournament in unspectacular fashion, barely edging Nicaragua 1-0 thanks to a strike from Anthony Lozano just prior to halftime. Their fifth place finish gives them a chance of qualifying for the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup, but they will have to defeat the fifth-placed team from the 2014 Caribbean Cup to secure their spot.
As expected, Honduras dominated the first half, outshooting Nicaragua 11-0, but could not break through until the final minute before the break. Lozano, who had a stunning point-blank miss 10 minutes earlier, made amends when he headed in a clipped ball from Juan Rodriguez after a great long ball by midfielder Carlos Mejia.
Los Catrachos had a golden opportunity to extend their lead in the 53rd minute when substitute Brayan Rochez rounded the 'keeper, only to roll his effort on an empty net wide. Honduras were nearly made to pay in the 78th minute when Nicaragua's Elvis Figueroa rolled a good look just wide of goal, and Honduras survived a late push by the minnows to finish the tournament in winning fashion.
El Salvador 0, Panama 1 - Third-place game
Panama edged El Salvador in a cagey match for third place, as Roman Torres scored the lone goal of the game in the fifth minute to secure a winning finish to the Copa Centroamericana for Los Canaleros. Both teams had already qualified for the 2015 Gold Cup.
Torres controlled a flicked header off a corner kick, making himself enough space to finish at the far post for the goal that would stand up as the winner. It was the only shot on target of the game for either team, though the two teams did combine for 27 fouls. Panama played the final 14 minutes down a man after Armando Cooper was shown a red card.
Colorado Rapids forward Gabriel Torres and LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo got the starting nod for Panama, with Torres going 51 minutes and Penedo the full 90. Orlando City MLS signee Darwin Ceren started and went 81 minutes for El Salvador.
