Sporting Stuns Alajuelense: A Deep Dive into the Costa Rican Clash
The seventh round of the 2026 Clausura Tournament saw Sporting FC take a commanding lead against Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, winning 2-0 at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. Josimar Méndez proved to be the hero for Sporting, scoring twice – in the 12th and 42nd minutes – while Ronaldo Cisneros added a goal for Alajuelense in the 68th minute, narrowing the gap but ultimately not enough to change the outcome.
Early Dominance by Sporting
Sporting established control early, with Josimar Méndez opening the scoring with a header in the 12th minute. The play developed from a sequence initiated by Alex López and Luis Díaz, culminating in a well-placed cross that Méndez capitalized on, beating Washington Ortega in goal.
The team continued to press, and Méndez doubled their advantage in the 42nd minute, further solidifying their position. This performance highlights Sporting’s ability to capitalize on opportunities and maintain a strong presence on the field.
Alajuelense Struggles and Second-Half Adjustments
Alajuelense faced a challenging first half, struggling to find a rhythm and create significant scoring chances. The team attempted to regain momentum in the second half, bringing on Malcon Pilone and Rashir Parkins, but found it difficult to break down Sporting’s defense.
Despite some promising moments with Ángel Zaldívar, Alajuelense’s efforts were hampered by injuries, with Jeison Lucumí forced to leave the game and be replaced by Kenneth Vargas.
Cisneros Penalty Offers a Glimmer of Hope
Alajuelense managed to pull one back in the 68th minute through a penalty converted by Ronaldo Cisneros. The penalty was awarded after a foul on Cisneros by Kevin Espinoza, providing a much-needed boost for the home side.
However, despite the goal, Alajuelense couldn’t find an equalizer, and Sporting held on to secure a crucial victory.
Key Players and Tactical Observations
Josimar Méndez’s performance was undoubtedly the standout feature of the match, with his two goals proving decisive. Sporting’s ability to exploit Alajuelense’s weaknesses and maintain a solid defensive structure were also key factors in their success.
For Alajuelense, the game highlighted their struggles with offensive efficiency and defensive vulnerabilities. The team’s inability to consistently create scoring opportunities and their difficulties in containing Sporting’s attacks proved costly.
Match Details and Lineups
Alajuelense Starting XI: Washington Ortega, Aarón Salazar, Alexis Gamboa, Guillermo Villalobos, Deylan Paz, Alejandro Bran, Celso Borges, Jeison Lucumí, Creichel Pérez, Ronaldo Cisneros, Ángel Zaldívar.
Sporting FC Starting XI: Leonel Moreira, Fabio Coronado, Ian Lawrence, Kevin Espinoza, Alex López, Ariel Soto, Luis Díaz, Josimar Méndez, Joser González, Mayron George, Giancarlo González.
Looking Ahead
This result presents a significant challenge for Alajuelense as they look to regain their form in the Clausura Tournament. Sporting, will aim to build on this victory and continue their climb up the league table.
FAQ
Q: When and where did the match take place?
A: The match took place on February 16, 2026, at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto.
Q: Who scored the goals for Sporting FC?
A: Josimar Méndez scored two goals for Sporting FC.
Q: Who scored the goal for Alajuelense?
A: Ronaldo Cisneros scored a penalty for Alajuelense.
Q: What is the current score?
A: The final score was Alajuelense 1 – 2 Sporting FC.
Q: Where can I find more information about the match?
A: You can find more information on nacion.com and Sofascore.
