Comuniciacones recorded a 2-0 victory over Caledonia AIA in the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday to keep its hopes of a berth in the quarterfinals alive.
Jairo Arreola and Joel Francisco Benitez scored first-half goals at Estadio Cementos Progreso.
The Guatemalan champion (2-0-1, 6 points) now trails Group 6 leader Toluca (3-0-0, 9 points) by three points. In order to progress to the knockout phase outright, Comunicaciones must defeat the host Red Devils on October 23 and then rely on tie-breaking procedures.
The Mexican side, which won their first encounter last month 2-1 in Guatemala City, only needs a draw -- or could even withstand a 1-0 loss -- to top the group.
Trinidad’s Caledonia, which already had been eliminated, fell to 0-0-4 and is winless in eight all-time CCL outings.
Only seconds after hitting the underside of the crossbar, Comunicaciones took a 1-0 lead in the 29th minute. Carlos Figueroa delivered a perfect cross from right-wing that Arreola headed home from six yards past goalkeeper Shemel Louison.
The Cremas doubled their advantage four minutes before the break. After a Caldeonia foul in its own end, Jean Marquez slid a free kick to Figueroa, who was streaking down the right flank. With plenty of space, the midfielder served the ball into the area and Benitez headed in from point-blank range.
Edward Santeliz tried to stretch the lead two minutes later, but his shot from distance swerved wide right.
Caledonia came out in the second half determined not to let Comunicaciones net another goal. Louison made some saves and the visitors also got help from the crossbar in the 62nd minute to keep the home side at bay.
In the 89th minute, both teams had solid scoring opportunities.
First, Caledonia second-half substitute Kithson Bain forced goalkeeper Juan Paredes to swat away his attempt to break the shutout. Then, Comunicaciones second-half sub Bryan Ordonez forced Louison to make a spectacular save.
Results
Comunicaciones 2 v Caledonia AIA
Arreola 29
Benítez 41
Teams
CSD Comunicaciones: 30. uan J. Paredes Guzman, 3.Elías E. Vásquez Prera, 77.Jairo R. Arreola (19.Brayan Ordoñez 67th), 28.Joel F. Benítez, 29.Carlos F. Figueroa Martinez, 22.Rigoberto Gómez, 4.Wilson Lalín (13.Carlos M. Castrillo Alonzo 16th), 12.Jean Márquez, 6.Carlos Mejia, 11.Edward Santeliz, 18.Minor López (70.Carlos Ramirez Silva 59th).
Coach: Iván F. Sopegno.
Caledonia AIA: 1.Shemel Louison, 6.Marcus Ambrose, 2.Aubrey David (Yellow 70), 12.Kareem Joseph, 3.Nuru A. Muhammad, 25.Keron Bethelmy (Yellow 32) (27.Nathan Lewis 72nd), 22.Miguel A. Romeo (Yellow 40) (7.Stephan David 46th), 21.Densill Theobald, 9.Keyon Edwards, 23.Jamal Gay (18.Bain Kithson 63rd), 11.Abdallah Phillips
Coach: Jamaal Shabazz.
Referee: Marcos Brea.
Venue: Estadio Cementos Progreso.
Video: - Comunicaciones vs Caledonia AIA Highlights.