MIAMI, Florida – Costa Rican sides Herediano and Alajuelense will lock horns in the first leg of the 2023 Concacaf Central American Cup semifinals on Wednesday night at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa in San Jose, Costa Rica.
There have been 392 previous matches between the two, with Alajuelense holding a 158W-105D-130L edge. In their last five match-ups, Alajuelense have won three, while Herediano have two wins.
Alajuelense arrive into the contest brimming with confidence, with six wins in all six of their Central American Cup matches. Alajuelense dispatched another Costa Rican club, Cartagines, 6-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals and now take aim at another domestic rival.
It has been no surprise to see MF Celso Borges at the heart of things for Alajuelense. The veteran playmaker has completed 91 percent of his 411 passes.
Meanwhile, the trio of Johan Venegas, Aaron Suarez and Alexander Lopez are primed for big performances.
Venegas has 10 goals in 22 games versus Herediano and has a pair of goals and assists in the Central American Cup. Suarez bagged two goals in the quarterfinals against Cartagines and Lopez has been nearly impeccable, with two goals, three ball recoveries and 172 completed passes.
Herediano showed great character in winning their quarterfinal against Comunicaciones of Guatemala, getting a second half stoppage time winner from Fernan Faerron to advance, 3-2.
GK Aaron Cruz has been solid as ever with 20 saves, while up top David Sayago was a revelation in scoring twice against the Guatemalans. Jesus Godinez provides punch as well and has two goals in the tournament.
Match Officials CS Herediano (CRC) vs LD Alajuelense (CRC)
REF: WALTER LOPEZ (Guatemala)
AR1: KEYTZEL CORRALES (Nicaragua)
AR2: RAYMUNDO FELIZ (Dominican Republic)
4TH: SERGIO REYNA (Guatemala)
