Puntarenas FC secured a place in the semifinals of the 2026 Copa Tournament after defeating Herediano 3-0 in the quarterfinals. The match, held at the Miguel Lito Pérez Stadium, saw veteran forward Daniel Colindres play a key role by scoring two goals and assisting Doryan Rodríguez for the third.
Colindres, who is 41 years old, delivered what many consider one of his best performances. His contributions included a notable backheel pass to Rodríguez for Puntarenas’ third goal. The team advanced with an aggregate score of 3-1 after losing the first leg 1-0 due to a penalty converted by Jurguens Montenegro.
The result means Puntarenas FC will face either Sporting FC or Cartaginés in the semifinals. Sporting currently leads their series 4-1, with the second leg scheduled for Wednesday at Rafael “Fello” Meza Stadium.
Herediano’s elimination marks another setback for the club, which was also knocked out in earlier rounds of both the Central American Cup and Concacaf Champions Cup during 2025. They failed to reach the semifinals of last year’s Apertura Tournament as well.
Puntarenas took control early when Randy Taylor set up Colindres for his first goal in minute 22. In the second half, Herediano made several substitutions including José de Jesús González and Luis Ronaldo Araya but could not change the outcome. Colindres scored again in minute 72 before assisting Rodríguez nine minutes later.
The teams are required to meet youth player regulations by ensuring that each accumulates at least 360 minutes per match using players born between 2005 and 2009. Failure to comply results in automatic forfeiture of points.
The semifinal matches are scheduled between March 25 and March 29, while the final will take place at Edgardo Baltodano Briceño Stadium sometime in April; an exact date has yet to be announced.
