GUATEMALA CITY–Wilson Lalin scored in the first half as Comunicaciones recorded a 1-0 Group D win over T&T Pro League and Caribbean Football Union Club Champions Central FC in the Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League on Thursday night at the Estadio Cementos Progreso.
With the win, its first in two matches, Comunicaciones moved into second place behind the idle US Major League soccer Champions LA Galaxy which has maximum six points, while debutants Central FC suffered its second defeat in as many games.
Goalkeeper Fredy Perez, who wasn't severely tested, registered the shutout.
The Cremas controlled the opening half with Carlos Figueroa causing the visitor problems on the right flank.
After several corner-kick attempts, Comunicaciones finally cashed in on a free kick in the 11th minute. Positioned on the right side, Figueroa lofted the ball to Lalin, who beat his marker and headed into the right corner past goalkeeper Jan-Michael Williams from ten-yards out for a 1-0 advantage.
The host thought it had doubled the lead three minutes later as Rolando Blackburn knocked in an Agustin Herrera free kick, but the Panama international was ruled to be offside.
Central FC had only a few decent scoring opportunities. In the 23rd minute, Marcus Joseph sent a 30-yard free kick over the crossbar.
Comunicaciones, on the other hand, made Williams work as the T&T international saved Rafael Morales' header in the 31st minute. He also denied the Guatemalan side twice in the 84th minute, stopping Herrera and the subsequent rebound.
In the closing seconds, Emiliano Lopez missed a solid chance to net an insurance goal, booting Herrera's left-wing feed wide right.
These two teams will meet again at Hasely Crawford Stadium, Mucurapo on September 17 before Central FC closes out against LA Galaxy at the same venue.
A win would put Comunicaciones into a tie for the group lead with the Galaxy, while Central FC would be eliminated with a loss.