University of Panama Triumphs in Kind Match Ahead of Messi Clash
The University of Panama (U de P) secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Canaereo in an international friendly match held at the Monumental Stadium on Friday, January 24th.
The “Crema” started strong, dominating the first half adn nearly opening the scoring early on. Midfielder Jairo Concha unleashed a powerful strike, and new signing Paolo Reyna appeared poised to connect and put the U de P ahead.
Canaereo responded with a determined effort in the second half. A brilliant solo run by attacker Gustavo Herrera in the 49th minute left defender Gustavo Dulanto in his wake, allowing Herrera to calmly slot the ball past goalkeeper Sebastián Britos.
The U de P secured the win in the dying minutes of the match. A foul on César Inga in the penalty area resulted in a penalty kick for the home side. José “Tunche” Rivera stepped up and confidently converted the spot kick,sealing the 2-1 victory for the U de P.
This win serves as a valuable boost for the U de P as they prepare for a high-profile friendly against football legend Lionel Messi at the Monumental Stadium next Wednesday, January 29th. The team will then turn their attention to the start of the 2025 League 1 season, facing the United Merchants on Sunday, January 9th at the Germán Contreras Stadium at 3:30 PM.
U de P Triumphs: Expert Insights Ahead of Messi Clash
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Coach! thanks for joining us today. Let’s talk about University of Panama’s recent win against Canaereo.
Coach: Thanks for having me. It was a tough, well-fought match. Canaereo pushed us, especially in the second half.
Time.news Editor: Indeed. What are your thoughts on the team’s performance,notably in the context of facing Lionel Messi next week?
Coach: I’m pleased with the grit the players showed. Winning against a strong opponent like Canaereo builds confidence, which is crucial going into a match of Messi’s magnitude.
Time.news Editor: How significant is this win in terms of momentum for the upcoming Messi kind and the league 1 season?
Coach: Every victory matters,especially a hard-fought one. This win reinforces the team’s belief in themselves. We’re focusing on building cohesion, tactical understanding, and, importantly, individual brilliance. Facing Messi will undoubtedly be a learning experiance, a chance to push ourselves to new heights.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of individual brilliance, Paolo Reyna, your new signing, looked promising.
Coach: Yes, Paolo is adapting well. His potential is immense, and he’s bringing fresh energy to the squad.
Time.news editor: Looking ahead to the League 1 season, what are your goals?
Coach: Our primary objective is to compete fiercely and aim for a top-half finish. Building a strong foundation, developing the players, and playing attractive, attacking football are key to achieving that.
time.news Editor: Any specific areas the team needs to improve on before facing the United Merchants?
Coach: Every match presents new challenges. We’ll analyse our performance against Canaereo, identify areas for enhancement, and focus on tactical adjustments for the United Merchants. Consistency and clinical finishing in front of goal are areas we’ll be honing.
Time.news Editor: Excellent insights, Coach. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.