Costa Rica Beats Panama for Title
CUSCATLAN, EL SALVADOR–In a cliff-hanger, the Costa Rican All-Stars came from behind to tie Panama 1-1, then went on to win the UNCAF regional soccer cup. Following Panama’s regular game goal after 35 minutes of play, the red, white and blue warriors trailed until Kurt Bernard booted one into the goal with only five minutes of regular play left.
Then the spotlight shifted to goaltender Jose Francisco Porras who stopped the first two of Panama’s attempts during the penalty shootout. The Ticos made their penalty shots like clockwork: Walter Centeno, Rolando Fonseca, Carlos Hernanez and finally Michael Barrantes to put the cap on it for a 4-2 final in penalty shots.
 Ironically, the victory marked one of student over mentor–Panama was coached by former Costa Rican technical director Alexander Guimaraes who had led th All-Stars into two World Cups. The Ticos were coached by Hernan Medford, once a star under “Guima” as his former coach is affectionately called in Costa Rica.
Panama played extremely well and the Ticos were battling uphill during the entire game–right up to the heart-stopping final goal.