Central America’s Independence Cup: Costa Rica Tops Panama 32-26

| American Football | 09/29/2014
The National teams of Costa Rica and Panama participated in the Independence Cup game, Friday, September 19th at Cuty Monge Stadium, in San Jose.

Previously scheduled to be a one week regional tournament, and originally titled the Central America Bowl II, Friday’s game became a one game encounter for the two rival teams after El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua had to withdraw.

Panama entered the game with confidence bringing to the tournament 38 players and 6 coaches from the Panama Major Football League teams. Panama had been anticipating a back to back win. However, they underestimated the avenging spirit of the Costa Ricans who were determined to vindicate their previous loss to Panama 54-13 at the inaugural 2013 Central America Bowl Championship game in El Salvador.

Even though the score at half time was 14-13 for Panama, Costa Rica finished strong taking the win 32 – 26.

Defensive Coordinator, Dave Peck of the Costa Rica team stated after the game, “We do whatever we have to do to get trophy’s, to get the hardware, that’s what we do this for.”

Assistant Head Coach, Lee Coleman, took a more technical perspective to their win.

“We made great adjustments on defense. That’s a credit to Coach Dave Pecks’ coaching ability. I think Reinhard Weiss played his heart out! He is definitely the best running back in Central America. That’s why we win: great defense with adjustments, and good talented players in the skilled positions on offense.”

Scoring Summary

1st Quarter

Kickoff return touchdown by Reinhard Weiss (RB); Extra point good by Alejandro Medina (K) CR 7 – PAN 0

Touchdown pass from Scott Doherty (QB) to Reinhard Weiss (RB), Extra point blocked; CR 13 – PAN 0

2nd Quarter

Rushing touchdown by Patrick Haywood (RB), Extra point good; CR 13 – PAN 7

Rushing touchdown by Manuel Gil (RB), Extra point good; PAN 14 – CR 13

 Halftime Score Panama 14 – Costa Rica 13

 3rd Quarter

Rushing touchdown by Jhonny Antonios (RB), Extra point missed; PAN 20 – CR 13

4th Quarter

Touchdown pass from Scott Doherty (QB) to Reinhard Weiss (RB); Extra point block; PAN 20 – CR 19

Rushing touchdown by Aaron Rivera (RB), 2 point conversion failed; CR 25 – PAN 20

Touchdown pass from Scott Doherty (QB) to Edwin Miranda (WR); Extra point good by Eloy Chacon (K); CR 32 – PAN 20

Rushing touchdown by Carlos Peregrina (QB), 2 point conversion failed; CR 32 – PAN 26

 FINAL: Costa Rica 32 – Panama 26

Ms Elle has a career in corporate communication and branding, spanning four continents over 25 years, with recent years pursuing sports marketing and media. She is currently living in Costa Rica and assists with the promotion of American football in