MIAMI, Florida – Aaron Suarez of Alajuelense continues to show why he is one of the best young players in the Concacaf region.
The 21-year-old MF played a big role in helping Alajuelense reach the semifinals of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup, scoring two goals in a 6-1 aggregate victory over fellow Costa Rican club Cartagines in the quarterfinals.
Suarez’s play in the quarterfinals has earned him the 2023 Central American Cup on The Rise player for the quarterfinal round.
“It’s really nice to be in that position. I feel good, I feel happy with the club and with my teammates and I think it shows on the field with my performance. I’ve scored several goals even though I’m a midfielder, so I’m happy about that, but I know that I aspire for more,” said Suarez in an interview with Concacaf.com.
Excelling in big Concacaf matches is something that Suarez has been doing for a while now. Last season in the 2022 Concacaf League Final second leg against Olimpia of Honduras, Suarez scored for his team and would go on to earn Best Young Player honors for the tournament.
Scoring on such a big stage like a Concacaf final is one of his fondest memories.
“It was a marvelous feeling because it gave us the advantage at that time. We had lost the first leg in Honduras and so scoring that free kick and being able to celebrate it with teammates was wonderful. It gave me confidence and makes me want to aspire for more,” said Suarez.
“Scoring a goal in a Concacaf game is a great feeling of pure joy and happiness. It’s an international tournament. I was able to do it as well against Cartagines and LAFC in the Champions Cup [last year], and the truth is that it’s such a unique experience to score in an international tournament,” added Suarez.
Alajuelense’s two victories in the quarterfinal round against Cartagines gave the club a perfect six wins in six matches in the tournament. Suarez credits the togetherness of the club as the reason for their success.
“I think it’s because of the unity of team, it’s really good. We are very united. In the domestic league we set out to win every game and in Concacaf we do the same and we have won all six games. But we are going step by step, game by game and now the game against Herediano is going to be very important because it’s a semifinal,” said Suarez.
Up next for Alajuelense is that semifinal date with another rival from their domestic league, Herediano. Suarez expects a very hard-fought 180 minutes between two opponents who know each other quite well.
“It’s a nice semifinal and I’m eager to play in it along with my teammates. It will be a hard-fought, close semifinal because Herediano is a great team. They know us and we know them. It’ll be a great series and may the best team win and hopefully we’re the better side in each game,” said Suarez.
Alajuelense’s quarterfinal victory not only secured a place in the final four of the tournaments, but also clinched a spot in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup, the second year in a row that Alajuelense will figure among the best clubs in the Concacaf region.
“It’s very important. We know that we have to qualify. We are Liga Deportiva Alajuelense and we are about big tournaments and aspiring internationally, so it was really important for us to take the series. Now that we have made it to the Champions Cup, we’re eager to play in it and play against teams from MLS, Mexico and take full advantage,” said Suarez.
