HOUSTON, Texas — Paraguay edged Costa Rica, 1-0, in the first match of Group C of the 2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup on Thursday night at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Texas.

Las Ticas got an early look in the 2’ as Sheika Scott developed a turnover into quick pass to Priscila Chinchilla, who had a shot inside the box, but was blocked by Paraguay DF Limpia Fretes.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Daniela Solera made a save one minute later, as Lice Chamorro pounced on a loose ball in the defense.

Costa Rica’s Gloriana Villalobos shot from midfield in the 8’ but was denied by the top post. Maria Paula Salas then had a hit on the rebound but was denied by Paraguay goalkeeper Alicia Bobadilla.

Chamorro also had a look from the right edge of the box in the 39’, but could not get it on target as the teams would go scoreless into the dressing room at halftime.

On her third good look at goal, Chamorro broke the deadlock in the 51’ by directing a free kick service from Dahiana Bogarin into the right corner of goal.

Gabriela Guillén tried her luck from distance out right in the 74’ to test Bobadilla, to no avail. One minute later, Emilie Valenciano had a shot from midfield herself as the Costa Rica contingent continued to press for an equalizer.

A free kick in the 90’+3 nearly provided the tying goal, as Costa Rica defender Mariana Benavides had a look at the far post that went just wide of goal.

Paraguay will face Canada in the first of two Group C matches at Shell Energy Stadium on Sunday, followed by Costa Rica against El Salvador.