Firpo claimed a narrow victory over LD Alajuelense in the opening match of the CONCACAF Central American Cup group stage on Thursday. A single goal from L. S. Vasquez Velasquez in the 45th minute proved sufficient for the hosts, who saw out a 1-0 win despite Alajuelense's 51 per cent possession.
By then the game was already shifting. Alajuelense made two substitutions at the break — J. Lucumi and C. Perez — while Firpo responded with Creichel Perez and Jeison Lucumí. The changes suggested both sides were looking for something different in the second half, though neither could break through.
Firpo pressed forward with intent, registering 105 attacks to their opponents' 96. They had four shots on target but only converted one, while Alajuelense were more clinical from distance — three shots on target at 60 per cent accuracy. And here's the thing: the match was decided not by volume but by timing.
There were disciplinary moments too. R. Parkins picked up a yellow card in the 64th minute before being substituted himself at 65, replaced by R. Matarrita. C. Borges received his caution later, in the 88th minute. Firpo also saw multiple changes in the final quarter — M. Mercado, W. Y. Arizala Dajomes, L. S. Vasquez Velasquez and R. Cisneros all came on.
The statistics paint a picture of a contest where control did not equal opportunity. Firpo dominated possession in the attacking third with 105 attacks and 14 total shots, yet managed only one on target that counted. Alajuelense had fewer chances but higher precision on goal. The hosts kept their clean sheet, a fourth straight win for them in this competition, and now sit comfortably at the top of the group with two points from one game.