Dominican Republic players take the field for the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Costa Rica at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

ARLINGTON — Costa Rican forward Manfred Ugalde split two sets of Dominican defenders to find forward Josimar Alcócer for the game-winning goal Wednesday in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over the Dominican Republic.

Dominican Republic defender Joao Urbaez (2) celebrates with Peter Gonzalez (19) after scoring a goal during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Costa Rica at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas (1) reaches for the ball against Dominican Republic forward Dorny Romero (17) during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Ugalde also scored for Costa Rica, which will play its last Concacaf Gold Cup group stage game Sunday at 9 p.m. against Mexico at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Dominican Republic will stay in Arlington to play Suriname, also Sunday at 9 p.m.

Dominican Republic defender Joao Urbaez (2) tumbles as the ball goes into the net for a goal past Costa Rica defender Joseph Mora (8) during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

“[We] played well, worked well in the environment, and in the end we had a couple of counterattacks,” Costa Rica head coach Miguel Herrera said after the game. “We could have done more, but anyway, I’m happy with how it went, happy with the effort the guys put in, and we’ll keep working as the group stage isn’t over yet.”

Dominican Republic defender Joao Urbaez (2) tumbles as the ball goes into the net for a goal past Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas (1) during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Wednesday’s game was the first match between Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic since 2013 and only the third time the two teams have gone head to head. Costa Rica had won both previous matches, winning 4-1 in 1990 and 4-0 in 2013.

Dominican Republic midfielder Heinz Morschel (8) goes up for a header against Costa Rica midfielder Orlando Galo during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

The Dominican Republic, which lost to Mexico 3-2 in its first Gold Cup game, was participating for the first time after receiving an automatic bid as the first-place team in League B of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League.

Dominican Republic midfielder Jean Lopez (14) challenges Costa Rica defender Joseph Mora (8) for the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Unlike its previous matchups, the Dominican Republic struck first with a goal in the 16th minute. After Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas deflected Dominican forward Dorny Romero’s shot, outside back Joao Urbáez followed the ball into the box to finish it.

Dominican Republic midfielder Cristian Mañon (6) hits the turg against Costa Rica midfielder Brandon Aguilera (10) and forward Alonso Martinez (12) during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

“It wasn’t going to be easy,” Herrera said. “We said that from the start after watching the match against Mexico.”

Costa Rica forward Alonso Martinez scores on a penalty kick past Dominican Republic goalkeeper Xavier Valdez during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

After Costa Rican forward Alonso Martínez drew a foul chasing a through ball in the box, Ugalde scored off a penalty kick to tie the game in the 44th minute.

Costa Rica forward Alonso Martinez scores on a penalty kick during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against the Dominican Republic at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

“The guys are quickly getting the idea of what I want on the pitch and I can see it reflected in their play,” Herrera said.

Costa Rica forward Alonso Martinez reacts after being fouled for a penalty kick during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against the Dominican Republic at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

The teams went into the half tied, with fans continuing to trickle in before Mexico’s 9 p.m. game against Suriname.

Mexico head coach Javier Aguirre (right) stands with his players for their national anthem before a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Suriname at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Three minutes into the second half, goalscorers Urbáez and Ugalde got heated chasing a ball down the line. The players exchanged shoves and both fell down as the ball went out of bounds. Their teammates joined in the scuffle, ending with yellow cards for Urbáez, Ugalde and Dominican Republic forward Erick Japa.

Mexico players stand for their national anthem before a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Suriname at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

It was another 41 minutes before Alcócer scored the game winner and ended the Dominican Republic’s chances at the quarterfinals.

Mexico supporters cheer their side before a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Suriname at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

“Unfortunately, we don’t control the ball the best, we don’t make the right passes, but we are growing,” Herrera said. “We have a long way to go before we become a team that masters the entire system.”

Mexico supporters cheer their side before a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Suriname at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Mexico defender César Montes (3) battles for the ball against Suriname forward Gyrano Kerk (7) during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Suriname forward Richonell Margaret (9) takes a corner kick during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match against Mexico at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Suriname midfielder Jean Boetius (14) hits the turf as midfielder Denzel Jubitana (10) challenges Mexico forward Marcel Ruiz (14) and forward Julián Quiñones (16) for the ball during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.

Suriname goalkeeper Etienne Vaessen (23) makes a save in front of defender Shaquille Pinas (19) and Mexico forward Julián Quiñones (16) during the first half of a CONCACAF Gold Cup match at AT&T Stadium on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Arlington.