Olimpia Overcomes UPNFM in Choluteca, Extends League Lead
Choluteca, Honduras – Olimpia rallied from a first-half deficit to defeat UPNFM Lobos 2-1 Wednesday night at teh Estadio Emilio Williams, solidifying their position atop the Honduran National League standings.Goals from Dereck Moncada and Kevin López secured the victory for the “Lion King,” while Roberto Moreira scored for the home side.
The win extends Olimpia’s lead to four points over Marathon, with 27 total points, as they continue their pursuit of the league championship. UPNFM Lobos, meanwhile, fall to seventh place with 16 points, facing an uphill battle to secure a playoff berth. The match was marked by a controversial late red card issued to Olimpia goalkeeper Andrés Salazar, adding to the dramatic finish.
Moreira opened the scoring for UPNFM in the 37th minute, capitalizing on an opportunity to give the Lobos a 1-0 advantage heading into halftime. However, Olimpia emerged with renewed energy in the second half. Moncada leveled the score in the 56th minute with a right-footed shot that beat Celio Valladares, and López completed the comeback in the 75th minute with a left-footed strike.
The match also saw Salazar receive two yellow cards, resulting in a red card in the 90+6th minute, forcing Olimpia to play shorthanded in the final moments.
UPNFM Lobos: Celio Valladares, Geremy Rodas, Luis López, Félix García, Enrique Vásquez, juan Martínez, Roberto Moreira, Cristhian Gutiérrez, Germán Mejía, Justin Ponce, Eliú López.
Goals: roberto Moreira (37′)
Yellow Cards: Eliú López (14′), Justin Ponce (20′)
Olimpia: Andrés Salazar, Carlos Sánchez, Facundo Queiroz, José García, Edwin Lobo, Axel Maldonado, Agustín Mulet, Maynor Arzú, Kevin López, Dereck Moncada, Jerry Bengtson.
Goals: Dereck Moncada (56′), Kevin López (75′)
Yellow Cards: Facundo Queiroz (2′), José García (80′)
Red Card: Andrés Salazar (38′, 90+6′)
