Strong second half leads Costa Rica soccer past Haiti in Olympic Qualifying Tournament

A brace from Raquel Rodríguez helped the Costa Rica women’s national team defeat Haiti, 2-0, in Friday’s match at BBVA Stadium in Houston.

The result all but assures Costa Rica will advance to the semifinal round of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament. The tournament’s two finalists will earn the region’s berths to the Tokyo Olympics.

After a scoreless first half, Rodríguez’s set-piece header gave Costa Rica the advantage in the 57th minute. It was La Sele’s first shot on target of the night.

57′: ¡Gol de @fedefutbolcrc 🇨🇷! Raquel Rodríguez abre el marcador con un gran remate de cabeza | #CWOQ #WeBelong pic.twitter.com/gBnypwmnT8

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 1, 2020

Nine minutes later, Shirley Cruz started a break that resulted in Rodríguez’s second goal of the match.

66′: ¡Gol de @fedefutbolcrc 🇨🇷! Raquel Rodríguez anota el segundo del partido. Ahora la ventaja es de 2-0 sobre @fhfhaiti 🇭🇹 | #CWOQ #WeBelong pic.twitter.com/6TPaxbMpji

— Concacaf (@Concacaf) February 1, 2020

Costa Rica will secure a semifinal berth if the United States beats Panama later Friday night.

La Sele will face the U.S. on Monday in their final group-stage match.