In an exciting display of talent, Sport Boys kicked off their 2025 season with a thrilling friendly match against Junior de Barranquilla at the Miguel Grau Stadium in Callao.The highlight of the match came from Alexander Hohberg, who netted his first goal for the team, igniting cheers from the fans.
Hohberg’s goal came just before halftime, as he converted a penalty after being fouled by Jose Cuenu.The play unfolded following a pass from Hernán Da Campo, which Hohberg chased down despite initially appearing to lose control. His determination paid off when Cuenu’s handball led to the penalty call, allowing Hohberg to step up and take the shot.
With precision and power, Hohberg struck the ball, leaving goalkeeper Santiago Mele with little chance to react. this goal leveled the score at 1-1,after Junior de Barranquilla had taken an early lead with a goal from José Enamorado just 13 minutes into the match. The game was marked by intense exchanges between players, including a heated moment involving Christian Paulucci, the coach of Sport Boys, and Junior’s coach, Cesar Farias.
Alexander Hohberg made a significant impact in his debut for Sport Boys, having joined the team from Sporting Cristal after a challenging last season were he played only 14 matches without scoring.His move to Sport Boys as a free agent has already proven fruitful, as he aims to revitalize his career.
Hohberg’s journey in Peruvian soccer is noteworthy; he has played for all four of the country’s most accomplished clubs. He began his career at Alianza Lima, where he enjoyed a successful stint from 2017 to 2018, contributing substantially with 16 goals and 15 assists in 90 appearances. He then moved to Universitario de Deportes, where he continued to shine, scoring 25 goals and assisting 17 times in 67 matches. His time at Rimac saw him participate in 121 games, netting 33 goals and providing 13 assists.
The match concluded with Sport Boys clinching the 2025 Lizárraga Cup title after a dramatic penalty shootout, winning 5-3.Key contributions came from Luciano nequecaur, Cristian Benavente, Rodrigo Colombo, Matías Almirón, and Erick González, while Junior de Barranquilla’s Miguel Díaz junior, Léider Berdugo, and Junior Bacca scored, but Fabián Ángel’s miss proved costly for the team.
Q&A with Soccer Analyst on Sport Boys’ Victory in the Lizárraga Cup
Time.news Editor: We saw a thrilling match recently where Sport Boys emerged victorious against Junior de Barranquilla, clinching the 2025 Lizárraga Cup. What were the key moments that stood out to you?
Soccer Expert: Absolutely! One of the most pivotal moments was Alexander Hohberg’s penalty goal right before halftime. It not only leveled the score at 1-1 but also showcased his determination. He managed to turn a challenging situation into a scoring opportunity after being fouled by José cuenu, which was quite impressive given his struggles last season.
Time.news Editor: His performance seems to signal a fresh start for Hohberg at Sport Boys. How important do you think this debut goal is for his career?
Soccer Expert: very significant. Hohberg’s last season at Sporting Cristal was tough; he played only 14 matches without scoring. Now, stepping up in a crucial moment in a debut match could be the catalyst for him to regain his confidence. His history shows he’s capable of making a substantial impact in any team he plays for, and this goal could pave the way for an excellent season ahead.
Time.news Editor: The intense exchanges on the pitch, especially between the coaches, added to the drama. How does the emotional element affect the players’ performance in matches like this?
Soccer Expert: Emotional elements can greatly influence a match. For players,seeing their coach passionately involved boosts morale and can inspire them to elevate their level of play. The heated moments can also propel teams to focus harder, as they want to prove themselves, especially in friendlies like this where reputations and fan expectations are at stake.
Time.news Editor: Moving to the match outcome, Sport Boys won through penalties with a final score of 5-3.What does this victory indicate about the team’s current state and readiness for the upcoming season?
Soccer Expert: This victory implies that Sport Boys is building momentum as they head into the 2025 season. Winning a penalty shootout shows not only technical skill but also mental resilience, which is vital in high-pressure situations. Key contributions from players like Cristian Benavente and Matías almirón during the shootouts highlight the team’s depth and capability to step up when it matters most.
time.news Editor: How do you view Sport Boys’ prospects in the league following such a strong start?
Soccer Expert: If they maintain this level of performance and support key players like Hohberg, they could indeed make a significant impact in the league. The mix of experienced players and fresh talent gives them a balanced squad, and if they continue to build on this early success, they might push for titles this season.
Time.news Editor: Any practical advice for fans watching the development of Sport Boys?
Soccer Expert: Fans should keep a close eye on Hohberg’s progress and how the team integrates him into their strategy. Also, following the dynamics between the players and the coaching staff will offer insights into how well they adapt throughout the season. Engagement on social media to support the players or discussions on forums can also enhance their connection with the team as the season unfolds.
