CIUDAD QUESADA, Costa Rica (Interstat) — Herediano rode a first-minute goal and a pair of second-half strikes to a 3-1 victory over Cartagines at Estadio Carlos Alvarado on Saturday, strengthening its position in the competition and extending a recent run of form. Nick Bennette opened the scoring in the first minute, giving the home side an immediate advantage and forcing Cartagines to chase the match from the start. Herediano controlled much of the first half and took that one-goal lead into the break, while Cartagines searched for a way back into the game. The hosts’ early pressure and quick transition play set the tone, and Cartagines’ best moments came after halftime as it pushed more players forward. Herediano’s ability to answer after conceding proved decisive. The win improved Herediano’s season record in this competition to 2 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, while Cartagines fell to 2 wins and 2 losses. Across all competitions, Herediano is now 2-1-1, and Cartagines is 3-2.

Bennette’s opener came before most fans had settled, and it changed the shape of the match. Herediano kept possession and probed for a second goal, but Cartagines defended with enough discipline to stay within reach through the first half. The only caution of the opening period went to Herediano’s Lesme in the 35th minute. Cartagines made two changes at halftime, looking to add energy and find an equalizer, while Herediano waited until the 55th minute to make its first two substitutions. The moves did not immediately produce another goal, but Herediano remained the more dangerous side and eventually doubled its lead in the 52nd minute when Allan Cruz finished.

Cruz’s goal gave Herediano breathing room, but Cartagines responded quickly. Geancarlo Castro, who played 30 minutes, scored in the 62nd minute to cut the deficit to 2-1 and briefly revive the visitors. Cartagines made further changes in the 60th minute before Castro’s goal and again in the 79th, trying to sustain pressure and find a second goal. Herediano absorbed that push and then restored its two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute when Elias Aguilar scored. Aguilar’s goal, following Bennette’s early strike and Cruz’s second-half finish, gave Herediano the cushion it needed over the final stretch. Aguilar finished with 84 minutes and one goal, Bennette had 72 minutes and one goal, Cruz played 84 minutes and scored once, and Castro’s 30-minute appearance produced Cartagines’ only goal.

Herediano managed the closing stages with composure and kept Cartagines from finding the equalizer that would have changed the final minutes. The home side made substitutions in the 72nd and 84th minutes, including changes involving Bennette, Cruz and Aguilar, as it looked to protect the lead and see out the result. Cartagines continued to push, but Herediano’s defense held and the hosts closed out a victory that was built on the earliest possible start and a timely response after Castro’s goal. The match featured goals from each of the players listed among the game’s key performers, and the flow of play reflected Herediano’s ability to strike early and again after being threatened.

The result added another positive note to Herediano’s recent form. Herediano had previously beaten AD Municipal Perez Zeledon 3-0, drawn 1-1 with Alajuelense and lost 1-0 to San Carlos. Cartagines entered after wins over Olimpia and Saprissa, as well as a 3-1 victory over Puntarenas FC and a 3-1 loss at Sporting FC. On Saturday, however, Herediano’s finishing and timing proved the difference. Cartagines’ record in the competition now stands at 2 wins and 2 losses, while its all-competitions mark is 3 wins and 2 losses. Herediano’s competition record is 2 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, and its all-competitions record is 2-1-1.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a final score of Herediano 1, Cartagines 1, and its ELO system gave Herediano a 72.2 percent probability to win. Herediano was installed as the pregame favorite with a spread of -0.5. The total score of 4 went under the over/under line of 2.5.