

Alajuelense Women 0-1 Dimas Escazu Women
Costa Rica Women's Primera División – Matchday 18
12 May 2026, Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto
Dimas Escazu Women delivered a stunning away victory at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto on Tuesday morning, edging Alajuelense Women 1-0 in a tightly contested Costa Rica Women's Primera División encounter. The result sent shockwaves through the league, as Alajuelense had been dominant on home soil throughout the season. A solitary goal proved enough for Dimas to claim all three points and strengthen their own push for a top-four finish.
Match Overview
From the opening whistle, Alajuelense controlled possession, but Dimas Escazu’s disciplined defensive shape frustrated the home side’s attacking efforts. The breakthrough came against the run of play in the 34th minute when Dimas forward María Fernanda Salazar latched onto a through ball, held off her marker, and fired past Alajuelense goalkeeper Daniela Cruz. It was a clinical finish that highlighted the visitors’ efficiency on the counter.
Alajuelense pushed hard for an equaliser in the second half, introducing fresh legs from the bench, but Dimas goalkeeper Valeria Chacón produced a string of fine saves to preserve the clean sheet. The home side’s best chance came in the 78th minute when a powerful header from captain Katherine Alvarado was tipped over the crossbar.
Key Moments & Tactical Story
Dimas Escazu’s game plan was clear from the start: absorb pressure and hit on the break. Coach Esteban Campos set his team up in a compact 4-4-2, with Salazar and Ana Rojas tasked with stretching Alajuelense’s backline. The home team, meanwhile, relied on wide crosses from Fátima Villalobos, but Dimas’s central defenders María José Rodríguez and Laura Vega were equal to the aerial threat.
The match’s decisive moment came just before half-time. Alajuelense lost possession in midfield, and Rojas slipped a perfectly weighted pass into Salazar’s path. The striker’s finish was composed, slotting inside the far post. In the second half, Dimas dropped deeper, inviting pressure and then breaking out with quick transitions. Alajuelense’s frustration grew, leading to several yellow cards as they tried to force an equaliser.
Standout Players
- María Fernanda Salazar (Dimas Escazu) – Scored the only goal and led the line superbly, holding up play and winning fouls to kill time.
- Valeria Chacón (Dimas Escazu) – Made seven saves, including three from close range, to earn her clean sheet.
- Katherine Alvarado (Alajuelense Women) – Dominated midfield but lacked a finishing touch; her late header deserved better luck.
Season & Table Impact
The defeat leaves Alajuelense Women in second place in the Costa Rica Women's Primera División standings, trailing leaders Herediano by three points with two games remaining. Dimas Escazu, meanwhile, leapfrog into fourth spot, keeping their playoff hopes alive. For Alajuelense, this loss could prove costly in the title race, while Dimas have shown they can compete with the league’s elite on their day.
Next up, Alajuelense face a crucial away trip to Saprissa, while Dimas Escazu host Municipal Pococí. With the regular season winding down, every point matters in the race for the title and playoff positions.