Rónald Matarrita, left back for Alajuelense, said on March 18 that his team’s performance against Los Angeles FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup was a clear message to all of Central America.
Alajuelense was eliminated from the tournament after a 3-2 aggregate loss to Los Angeles FC. The Costa Rican team drew 1-1 in the United States and lost 2-1 at home, conceding a goal in the final minute of the match.
Despite the defeat, Matarrita said that the series was closely contested and much more competitive than Los Angeles FC’s previous round against Real España of Honduras, which ended with a 7-1 aggregate win for the American side. The Alajuelense fans recognized their team’s effort by applauding them at the end of the match.
“The fans know that Los Angeles FC is one of the best teams in Major League Soccer, but we showed that we can compete at this level and we showed it to Central America as well,” Matarrita said.
Matarrita also stated that while there is disappointment over being eliminated, attention must now turn to their next opponent in the national league, Herediano. “The sadness lasts today, but now we are thinking about Herediano. We already know that we can compete against top-class teams; now we must get closer to first place here,” he said.
Alajuelense currently sits fourth in the standings with 18 points, five behind leaders Cartaginés. Matarrita credited coaches Óscar Ramírez and Wardy Alfaro for their role in preparing the team. “Óscar and Wardy work very well, it showed. In the first game we had to suffer, we knew that. Then at home we played well. The winners were the people because it was a good match,” he concluded.
