Cibao FC and Moca FC play to a scoreless draw in the first game of the final of the Dominican Soccer League Dominican Soccer League which took place at the Moca 85 stadium. Rather than a pitch, the teams played on a field that resembled more of a mud pool due to heavy rains.
Both Finalists Were Affected by the Rain
The pitch was soaked by the rain, which not only wet the players' uniforms, but also made them dirty and a burden for those who wore them. This situation led both teams to opt for an aerial game, with long passes and few touches on the ground.
The first half of the match was uneventful, a slow game in which puddles of water made it difficult to advance the ball, and the score remained goalless at halftime.
However, the rain did not stop the celebration and, during halftime, the Moca 85 stadium was illuminated with fireworks, while an assorted group of young people danced to the rhythm of merengue.
In the final minutes of the match, the home side had several chances to score, but Miguel Lloyd stood out with brilliant saves as the keeper of the orange goal, under the direction of Gabriel Martínez Poch.
The decisive match will take place on Sunday at the Cibao FC stadium, located at the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra, where the champion of the LDF 2023 will be crowned.
Save the date! 🗓️✅🔥 #PorLaCuarta pic.twitter.com/ZnvbvIplja
- Cibao Fútbol Club (@CibaoFC) October 25, 2023
Both Teams Arrive With Merits
The finalists in the LDF final had very consistent performances throughout the campaign, and therefore Moca and Cibao are deserving finalists for the cup.
During the regular season, Cibao was the undisputed leader. The team scored 36 points. They finished the regular season with 11 wins, three ties and only two losses. For their part, the Mocanos were able to score 28 points with nine wins, one draw and six losses.
In the Liguilla, both teams finished equal after ten games each, totaling 19 points and occupying first and second place. This was enough for both teams to host the second leg of the semifinals.
During the semifinals, both teams proved their strength by beating Atlántico FC and Club Atlético Pantoja in exciting head-to-head matches.
The opening whistle was blown at 6:00 p.m. at the Estadio Olimpico Moca 85 in that locality. With the tie, the series is wide open. Moca FC is dreaming of being crowned for the first time and will be making its debut in finals since the LDF was founded in 2015.
The Aurinegro team stood out as one of the most consistent teams throughout the season, and is coached by an experienced Juan Guzmán Zapata, a Colombian who has already won tournaments.
Despite being his first experience in professional soccer in the Dominican Republic, this coach from New Granada has won three championships in the Panamanian Soccer League.
Cibao FC is the most prominent benchmark in national soccer and, since its first championship in 2018, has managed to win back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
The orange team is looking to mark an era in Dominican soccer, and with their presence in the 2023 final, they have now reached their fifth final and third in a row.
In addition, the Santiago-based team is seeking a third consecutive championship and the fourth star in its history.
