Costa Rica vs Dominican Republic

Photography by: Elisa Chavez

Costa Rica's 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup campaign is proving to be a tale of resilience. In their second Group A match, Los Ticos overcame a determined Dominican Republic side, earning a hard-fought 2–1 victory at Arlington’s AT&T Stadium. The win propelled Costa Rica to the top of their group and one step closer to the quarterfinals, despite enduring moments of intense pressure.

The game began with a shock for Costa Rica. The Dominican Republic, brimming with energy and tactical organization, took the lead in the 16th minute. Joao Urbáez capitalized on a rebound after Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas parried a shot into his path, slotting the ball home with precision. This early goal set the tone for a match where the underdog Caribbean side consistently punched above its weight.

Costa Rica struggled to find their rhythm against a resolute Dominican defense. However, just before halftime, a pivotal moment swung the game. A foul on Alonso Martínez inside the box led to a penalty. Rising star Manfred Ugalde stepped up with confidence, delivering a composed strike to level the score at 1–1.

The second half saw both teams trading blows. The Dominican Republic, eager to build on their spirited start, forced Navas into several critical saves. Meanwhile, Costa Rica searched for a breakthrough, buoyed by their depth and experience.

That breakthrough came in the 85th minute, courtesy of Josimar Alcócer. After receiving a precise pass from Ugalde just outside the penalty area, Alcócer exploited a gap between defenders and unleashed a clinical right-footed shot, leaving Dominican goalkeeper Xavier Valdez with no chance. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among the Costa Rican contingent and effectively sealed the match.

For Costa Rica, the result underscored their ability to grind out victories under pressure. Managed by Mexican coach Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera, the team has now secured six points in two matches, following their dramatic 4–3 win over Suriname in the opener. This resilience will be crucial as they prepare for a high-stakes clash against Mexico to determine Group A’s top spot.

The Dominican Republic, despite their spirited performance, remain at the bottom of the group with no points. While their tournament hopes hang by a thread, they have undoubtedly earned respect for their tenacity, having also tested Mexico in a narrow 3–2 loss.

As the group stage nears its conclusion, Costa Rica will look to refine their play and channel the momentum from this gritty win. With their sights set on Gold Cup glory, Los Ticos have shown that while the path may be fraught with challenges, they are more than capable of navigating the storm.