ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – There is something about its Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto home that brings the best out of Alajuelense in international play.

In 14 all-time Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) matches at the famous venue, the Costa Rican power boasts an impressive 9W-4D-1L home record.

With that in mind, forward Jonathan McDonald believes Alajuelense can overturn a 2-0 deficit in the Scotiabank CONCACAF League on Thursday, when the sides complete their Round of 16 series.

“They have to go to our house and we know that the Morera is a fortress,” McDonald said after the first-leg setback.  “We are going to respect it.  We are going to have the help of our fans, who are going to push us and motivate us to get the result.”

There’s an old saying that 2-0 is the most dangerous score in football, as the team that’s ahead tends to let its guard down and the team that trails feels the margin is narrow enough to allow for a comeback.

McDonald, who has six career SCCL goals, hopes Alajuelense can take advantage of such a scenario.

“Two-nothing is the most deceptive scoreline in football,” commented the 29-year-old.  “It makes you relax.  It makes you try to manage it, but sometimes when you don’t realize it, the match is tied and the team is above you, so that is what we want.”

ALAJUELENSE
CONCACAF Champions League Home Results

2008/09
1-1 draw v Puerto Rico Islanders

2011/12
1-0 win v Morelia
1-0 win v LA Galaxy
1-0 win v Motagua

2012/13
2-2 draw v Tigres
1-0 win v Real Esteli

2013/14
1-0 win v Club America
2-0 win v Sporting San Miguelito
0-0 draw v Arabe Unido
0-1 loss v Toluca

2014/15
1-0 win v Chorrillo FC
1-1 draw v Cruz Azul
5-2 win v D.C. United
4-2 win v Montreal Impact