Novel Orleans, Louisiana – In a spirited clash at the Tad Gormley Stadium in New Orleans, Honduran giants Olimpia and Motagua battled to a 2-2 draw in a friendly match on Sunday, March 29, 2026. The match, part of a double-header that also saw Real España and Marathón draw 1-1, provided a taste of Honduran football to a sizable crowd of supporters in the United States.
Dramatic Comeback Seals Draw for Motagua
Josman Figueroa and Michaell Chirinos gave Olimpia a comfortable 2-0 lead in the first half, but Motagua mounted a determined comeback in the second period, leveling the score through a penalty converted by Romario Da Silva and a late header from Luis Meléndez. The match was also marked by a second-half scuffle that resulted in red cards for both teams.
The game kicked off with both teams eager to showcase their skills. Olimpia drew first blood in the 3rd minute when Josman Figueroa’s shot from outside the box took a deflection off Marcelo Santos and found the back of the net. Michaell Chirinos doubled the lead in the 12th minute with a powerful right-footed strike after a precise pass from Félix García.
Motagua struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, but emerged with renewed determination after the break. The comeback began in the 71st minute when Romario Da Silva calmly slotted home a penalty awarded after Raúl García fouled him inside the Olimpia penalty area. The equalizer arrived in the 88th minute, as Luis Meléndez rose highest to head home a corner kick, sparking celebrations among the Motagua faithful.
First-Half Flare-Up Leads to Ejections
The first half wasn’t without its drama, culminating in a physical altercation between players from both sides just before halftime. Agustín Mulet of Olimpia and Riky Zapata of Motagua were both shown red cards for their involvement in the incident, setting a tense tone for the second half.
Prior to the sending-offs, Josman Figueroa received a yellow card in the 41st minute for a foul on Andy Hernández, further escalating the tension on the pitch.
Second-Half Substitutions and Near Misses
Both managers made changes during the second half in an attempt to influence the outcome. Olimpia substituted Carlos Sánchez for Facundo Queiroz in the 69th minute and Santiago Ramírez for Jamir Maldonado in the 60th. Motagua, following Zapata’s ejection, brought on Romario Da Silva, along with John Kleber and Rodrigo de Olivera, replacing Rodrigo Gómez, Jefryn Macías, and Aarón Barrios in a triple substitution at halftime.
The second half also featured several near misses. José Mario Pinto nearly scored a spectacular goal from midfield in the 46th minute, but Marlon Licona made a crucial intervention. Rodrigo ‘Droopy’ Gómez came close for Motagua in the 37th minute with a free kick that narrowly missed the target, and again in the 24th minute, hitting the crossbar with a powerful effort.
Teams Prepare for League Duty Amidst International Call-Ups
This friendly encounter took place against the backdrop of upcoming international commitments for both clubs. Both Eduardo Espinel (Motagua) and Javier López (Olimpia) are without several key players who have been called up to the Honduras national team for their match against Peru on March 31st in Spain.
Motagua will be without Yustin Arboleda, Jerry Bengtson, Jorge Benguché, Edrick Menjívar, Kevin Güity, Jorge Álvarez, and Edwin Rodríguez due to international duty. Olimpia will be missing Luis Ortiz, Christopher Meléndez, Giancarlo Sacaza, Luis Vega, and Alejandro Reyes.
The absence of these key players necessitated tactical adjustments and provided opportunities for younger players to gain valuable experience. The match in New Orleans offered a platform for these players to showcase their talent in front of a passionate Honduran fanbase.
Strong Support in New Orleans
The match attracted a significant turnout of Honduran supporters residing in New Orleans and surrounding areas. Ticket prices were $45 in presale and $55 at the gate. The event underscored the growing popularity of Honduran football in the United States and provided a unique opportunity for fans to experience the rivalry between Olimpia and Motagua firsthand.
This friendly match in New Orleans is part of a broader effort to expand the reach of Honduran football beyond its borders, bringing the passion and intensity of its domestic league to new audiences.
What’s Next: Both Olimpia and Motagua will now turn their attention back to domestic league duties, preparing for their respective upcoming matches following the international break. Fans can follow official team channels for updates on player availability and match schedules.
What did you think of the match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
