No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta Rica Defeats Dominican Republic 2–1 in Gold Cup Thriller

Costa Rica Defeats Dominican Republic 2–1 in Gold Cup Thriller

Costa Rica battled hard but came out on top with a 2–1 victory over the Dominican Republic in their second Group A match of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup, played Wednesday in Arlington, Texas. The win brings them closer to the quarterfinals. Dominican player Joao Urbáez opened the scoring in the 16th minute, while Manfred Ugalde, one of Costa Rica’s rising stars, equalized from the penalty spot in the 44th minute.

Josimar Alcócer sealed the 2–1 result for the Central Americans with a goal in the 85th minute at AT&T Stadium, putting Los Ticos atop the group with a perfect record after two matches. Urbáez’s goal came from a rebound in the six-yard box after former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas blocked but failed to control a shot. The equalizer came when Jimmy Kaparos fouled Alonso Martínez inside the box, and Ugalde calmly converted the penalty.

Later, Alcócer fired a powerful right-footed shot from inside the area, assisted by Ugalde, setting off celebrations among Costa Rican players and fans in the Texas stadium. In the first half, the Caribbean side surprised Costa Rica with their energy and organization.

But the second half was more balanced, with each team forcing dangerous long-range saves from Navas and Dominican goalkeeper Xavier Valdez, until Alcócer’s late strike turned the game around.

With this result, the Costa Rican team—coached by Mexican Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera—continues its strong start after defeating Suriname 4–3 on Sunday in their Group A opener. Meanwhile, the Dominican Republic remains at the bottom of the group with no points and slim hopes of advancing to the quarterfinals.

The islanders also lost 3–2 to Mexico in Saturday’s tournament opener. Mexico and Suriname face off in Wednesday’s second match.

Trending Now

Protests Rise Over Panama Canal’s New Water Project

Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino on Tuesday defended the construction of a new reservoir for the interoceanic canal and criticized those who oppose the...

Costa Rica’s Pride March 2025 Defies Restrictions and Celebrates Diversity

A large crowd gathered in Paseo Colón, San José, to participate in the LGBTIQ+ Pride March 2025. It began at noon, as people marched...

Costa Rica Joins U.S. Global Entry, Easing Travel for Tourists

Costa Rica took a big step forward, by officially joining the U.S. Global Entry program, a move set to make travel smoother for Costa...

Costa Rica and U.S. Strengthen Border Scans and Biometric Cooperation

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem met Wednesday with Honduran President Xiomara Castro to discuss security and migration, following her offer in Costa...

Costa Rica Surf Film Festival Honors ‘Pura Vida Bodysurfing’ with Top Audience Award

Pura Vida Bodysurfing is an award-winning short film that strips surfing back to its essence—riding waves without a surfboard. Filmed across Costa Rica’s legendary...

Costa Rica Court Moves to Lift President Chaves’ Immunity

Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice on Tuesday asked Congress — for the first time in the history of this country with a well-established...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica