Costa Rica cruises

Medford, Fonseca seal win over Martinique

MIAMI (AP) -- Hernan Medford and Rolando Fonseca scored to give World Cup-qualifier Costa Rica a 2-0 win over Martinique on Friday night in the opening match of the Gold Cup.

Medford gave Costa Rica a 1-0 lead in the 39th minute. Fonseca fired a 25-yard (-meter) shot that deflected off the left post to an unmarked Medford, who scored from 10 yards (meters).

In the second half, Costa Rica really applied the pressure, with Fonseca putting in the second goal in the 59th minute.

Midfielder Mauricio Solis fed Fonseca just outside the penalty box. Fonseca dribbled inside the box and ripped a shot into the upper-right corner of the goal.

Despite its two-goal lead, Costa Rica continued pressing rather than protecting the lead.

Wilmer Lopez unleashed a shot that hit the left post a minute later, and Steven Bryce just missed with a header. Goalkeeper Eddy Heurlie's diving deflection prevented a third goal.

Martinique nearly broke through in the 75th minute, but goalie Alvaro Mesen knocked away Loic Lupon's shot from close range.

Martinique's best scoring opportunity of the first half came in the 26th minute, when Mesen made a diving stop on Patrick Percin's shot from the right wing inside the penalty box.

Costa Rica will play its second match of the tournament Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago. Martinique will play Trinidad and Tobago on Tuesday.

 

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