New York City defeated Santos de Guapíles with two goals by Valentín Castellanos

Two goals by Argentinean Valentín Castellanos led New York City to victory against Santos de Guapíles, the Costa Rican team, in the Concacaf Champions League. The Argentine striker's goals came in the first half, in the 5th and 30th minutes, and were enough to seal the victory in Central American territory.

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The U.S. team is almost assured of advancing to the quarterfinals, however, the second leg will be played next week, on February 23, to determine the winner at home to New York City. The Citizens will have a two-goal advantage going into the match.

Santos de Guapíles vs New York City Highlights

In the first half, New York City largely dominated the match and the 0-2 lead could have been larger had it not been for a couple of saves by goalkeeper Kevin Ruiz and two shots that hit the posts.

The 0-1 lead came in the 5th minute from a penalty kick converted by the Argentine Castellanos, who also scored the 0-2 in the 30th minute with a powerful shot inside the area after a bad clearance by the Costa Rican defense. 

Castellanos, New York City best player

Castellanos, the U.S. team's star player, was a real headache for Santos, who attacked as best they could with long-range shots and some set pieces.

The Costa Rican team suffered the absence of its two-star strikers, Jamaican international Javon East and Cuban Luis Paradela, as well as Mexican defender Everardo Rubio, who have problems with their work permits in Costa Rica. 

With a man down, the visitors defended their advantage

The second half followed the tone of the first with New York City dominating and wasting scoring chances against a Santos team lacking ideas and playing to avoid conceding more goals. Brazilian Magno, Argentinian Castellanos, and Uruguayan Rodriguez missed chances that could have given the North American team a much more comfortable lead.

In the 69th minute, Uruguay's Santiago Rodríguez was sent off for a hard tackle on Erson Méndez, meaning that the New York team played the last 20 minutes with a man down. 

Santos tried to press for an equalizer, but their lack of attacking power, coupled with their opponents' defensive solidity, prevented goalkeeper Sean Johnson from scoring a goal. 

Castellanos, the leading scorer in the last MLS season, once again showed his eye for goal with two goals in the first 30 minutes of play. 

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