ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – Jesus Godinez scored a goal in each half to hand Costa Rican side Herediano a 2-0 victory over Aguila of El Salvador in Group C of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup on Wednesday night at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
Herediano now sit on four points after two games, while Aguila are still searching for their first point following their tournament opener.
Herediano started out the stronger of the two and were able to break the deadlock in the 22’ when Jesus Godinez got on the end of a ball swung in by Gerson Torres and did just enough to steer a glancing header into goal for a 1-0 lead.
Aguila looked to get back on level terms in the second half and started putting some pressure on the Herediano back line, including a curling shot from Kevin Melara that hooked just wide minutes after the restart.
Darwin Ceren also had a good look at goal in the 67’ with a blazing right-footed effort that missed wide.
But Aguila’s comeback hopes took a big hit in the 76’ when Carlos Salazar was sent off, leaving the Salvadorans with 10 men for the final quarter-hour.
Herediano gladly took advantage of playing a man up and Jesus Godinez put the three points on ice in the 85’ with swinging right-footed shot off a cutback pass from Haxzel Quiros to make it 2-0.
A pair of late red cards to John Ruiz and Fernan Faerron reduced Herediano to nine men, however the Ticos were able to see things out in the final minutes to pocket the three points.
