Carmelita’s team managed to qualify this Monday for the semifinals of the Torneo Clausura Liga de Ascenso, by overcoming, in extra time, a score of 2-0 against Aserrí FC, to finally prevail 2-3 with all merit, in the Jorge Cuty Monge Stadium.
Now the manudos will seek to advance to the final of the contest against Municipal Liberia, which left Fútbol Consultants eliminated in penalty kicks.
The Purslane, who had won the first leg 1-0 with a goal from former Alajuelense Bryan Jiménez, were surprised in the first 35 minutes of the game.
The Aserriceños opened the account with an own goal by Javier Camareno at 31′, after a strong shot by David Hernández, which the Purslane defender deflected.
Later, in a counterattack, the veteran Jorge Davis enabled Verny Scott, who in the 35th minute scored the 2-0 and at the moment gave the classification to the locals.
However, before the end of the first half, Bryan Jiménez was once again present and with a half-turn shot he made it 2-1 at 45′.
In the complement the marker did not move and it would not be until the first extra time that the Alajuelenses defined the series.
In minute 93, Kevin Cabezas unleashed a powerful shot with his right leg in front of the large area, to beat goalkeeper Justin Morera and score a 2-2 draw.
While the 101 ‘the carmelos scored 2-3, after an individual action by Jaime Valderramos.
Now Carmelita will face Municipal Liberia in the semifinal that will start next weekend at the Rafael Bolaños stadium, at a time to be defined, while Puntarenas FC will host Santa Ana on Saturday at 7 pm, at the Lito Pérez stadium.
Vinicio Alvarado, coach of Carmelita, commented that they expected a very complicated series.
“We knew it was a very difficult commitment. We gave away the first half, but we dominated the second, we didn’t allow them options to score and we were right when it came to defining. Now comes Liberia, which is the favorite, but we are going with all humility and the conviction to win the series”, said Alvarado.