ALAJUELA, Costa Rica – San Carlos GK Marco Madrigal made two saves in a 4-2 penalty shootout win over Santa Tecla of El Salvador following a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf League Round of 16 series on Tuesday night at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto in Alajuela, Costa Rica.
The match opened with a tough, physical first 45 minutes with neither defense giving an inch and chances few and far between for both sides.
The Salvadorans started the second half as the stronger side and Wilma Torres had a crack at goal, yet was left shaking his head in disbelief after a save from Madrigal.
There was also a nervy moment for Sants Tecla GK Joel Almeida in the final half-hour when a shot almost slipped through his hands, but he collected the ball before it could cross the line.
The drama increased as each second ticked away with San Carlos having the better of play in the final 10 minutes, but unable to convert.
Matters had to be settled in a penalty shootout and Madrigal took over with two saves to help steer San Carlos to victory and a berth in the quarterfinals.
Penalty Shootout
UD San Carlos first
ADS Alvaro Saborío (yes)
TEC Wilfredo Cienfuegos (yes)
ADS Esteban Ramírez (yes)
TEC Wilma Torres (yes)
ADS Osvaldo Rodríguez (x)
TEC Roberto Domíguez (saved for Madrigal)
ADS Claudio Pérez (yes)
TEC Erick Rivera (saved for Madrigal)
ADS Jairo Arrieta (yes)