Olimpia of Honduras almost had their counter attacking tactic pay off, but Puntarenas was able to win 3-2 at home yesterday and can now go to Honduras next week with a slight advantage.

Puntarenas came out swinging, but was unable to score due to some good plays by the Olimpia defense. And, as often happens, Olimpia was able to score first in the 30th minute.  Their only scoring chance of the first half. Kurt Bernard of Puntarenas was able to salvage the first half for the home squad, equalizing the score in the 43rd minute after a lovely pass from Vicente Rocella.

For most of the second half it was more of the same.  Puntarenas possessing the ball and trying to work through the strong Olimpia defense.  And on a blistering counter attack the Honduran side saw their strategy pay off in the 75th minute.

But 2 minutes later, before they had time to get blue about their bad luck, the porteños were able to equalize after a foul shot from outside the penalty area, which was slightly altered by Alvaro Guerrero to beat the keeper.  In the rest of the game Puntarenas again had more ball possession, while the Hondurans lurked waiting for a counter strike.
Just when it seemed the Hondurans would walk away celebrating a tie, Guerrero put through a header as time was running out to give Puntarenas the victory.

The return match is next Wednesday in Honduras.