Atletico Nacional are 2018 Florida Cup Champions
St. Petersburg, Fla. – Jan. 20, 2018 – Before a rousing crowd heavily favoring Los Verdolagas, Colombia’s Atletico Nacional of Medellin defeated Poland’s Legia Warsaw 2-0 this evening at Al Lang Stadium. With the victory, Nacional secured the 2018 Florida Cup title in their first time participating in the annual international tournament.
In what could be called a brief glimpse of Group H play during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the action between the Colombian and Polish clubs started evenly, with chances created by both sides early in the first half. Nacional Midfielder Aldo Ramirez opened the scoring in the 36th minute, taking a perfect pass from Macnelly Torres and slotting the ball into the net in the bottom right corner. Ramirez completed his brace with a brilliant goal off a Gustavo Torres feed in the 42nd minute, as the Colombians took a 2-0 advantage into the half.
Atletico Nacional maintained the pressure on Legia in the second half, nearly adding to their lead with several close chances. At the final whistle, Ramirez’s brace was enough to secure the victory and Nacional’s first Florida Cup title.
In the post-game ceremonies, Nacional goalkeeper Cristian Vargas was awarded the Florida Cup Golden Glove, and Aldo Ramirez was named Man of the Match. Marcos Barros, VP of Marketing and Sales for Universal Orlando – Latin America, presented the Florida Cup to Nacional captain Alexis Henriquez.
