Herediano took care of business on at home on Tuesday night, although maybe not quite as easily as they would have liked. Despite some sloppy play, goals by Pablo Salazar and Enoc Perez were enough to earn Herediano a 2-1 win over Tauro FC that has them on the verge of a spot in the knockout stages.
Herediano Vs. Tauro FC, 2012 CONCACAF Champions League: Salazar And Perez Lead Herediano To Win
Herediano needs just a draw in their group stage finale to advance to the quarterfinals after defeating Tauro 2-1 on Tuesday night.
Arturo Sotillo (Creative Commons)
The victory puts Herediano on nine points, three clear of second place Real Salt Lake. The two teams will square off on October 23rd in Utah, where a Herediano draw would be enough to clinch their spot in the quarterfinals.
Tauro were eliminated from the competition last match day, but did want to save some face with their first ever win in the Champions League. That was not to be, though, and Herediano went in front after just eight minute. Eduardo Dasent handles a ball in the area and Salazar converted the penalty to put the home side on top.
Once down a goal, Tauro found their feet and began to play well. They kept possession and generated several chances before finally equalized. A ball from Marcos Sanchez caused problems for Herediano and while they were able to clear one ball off the line, Edwin Aguilar hopped on the rebound and got Aguila level.
Like being scored on woke up Tauro earlier, it did the same for Herediano. They got control of the play back and regained the lead in the 37th minute. Vladimir Villarreal could only palm a free kick by Marvin Angulo right back in front of the net, where Perez was waiting to put the ball into the empty net.
The second half went Herediano’s way as they knocked the ball around and killed off a match that they probably shouldn’t have had much problem with in the first place. But easy or not, three points are three points and the Costa Ricans are on the verge of the quarterfinals.
See More:
