Alajuelense players said on March 18 that their recent elimination by Los Angeles FC has left them determined to perform strongly in the upcoming Clausura 2026 national tournament. The team lost the series with an aggregate score of 3-2, with a late goal ending their run in the international competition.
The outcome has motivated the squad rather than discouraged them. Midfielder Creichel Pérez said he is eager to continue competing and believes that Alajuelense can bring the same level of play shown internationally to the Costa Rican championship. “A enfocarnos en el campeonato nacional, estamos muy motivados, vamos con todo. Tenemos hambre y ahora vamos por el bicampeonato, de eso no hay duda,” Pérez said.
Pérez also reflected on the match against Los Angeles FC, noting that Alajuelense made a few mistakes which their opponents capitalized on. “Si se le da chance a estos equipos, pues no perdonan, y esto es lo que pasó. Son jugadores de alta calidad, pero jugamos de tú a tú,” he said.
He highlighted the support received from fans despite the defeat and expressed gratitude for their encouragement at the end of the match. “Eso nos queda de aprendizaje, lo dimos todo, es la verdad. Solo agradecer a la afición; estamos muy orgullosos de todos: afición y equipo,” Pérez concluded.
The team now turns its attention to domestic competition as it seeks another championship title.
