LANGFORD, British Columbia – Jefferson Brenes struck in the final 10 minutes to help Costa Rican club Herediano capture a 1-0 victory away at Pacific FC of Canada in the first leg of their 2022 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16 series on Tuesday night at Starlight Stadium in Langford, British Columbia.
Herediano controlled the tempo for much of the first half, but the best scoring chances went the way for the hosts.
The first came in the 14’ when a Herediano defensive error allowed Djenairo Daniels to go in on goal, but he was unable to get clean shot off and the chance was spoiled.
Later on, in the 37’, it was Thomas Meilleur-Giguere popping a header over the net, followed by another look at goal for Daniels, this time on a header that Herediano GK Esteban Alvarado impressively tipped onto the post and out of play.
Things were just as tight and intense in the second 45 minutes, with Pacific pushing to find the first goal of the series, while Herediano remained patient, ready to pounce on a mistake and strike quickly.
Such a moment came in the 83’ when Pacific failed to clear their lines and Herediano took full advantage.
Keysher Fuller chased down a ball right before it crossed the end line and floated in a cross that was headed back across goal and into net by Brenes for a 1-0 Herediano lead that the 2018 champions held until the final whistle.
