MOCA.– The Dominican Republic men’s national football team showed character, discipline, and ambition to draw 1-1 against Mexico, in an exciting Group A match of the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, played before 2,327 fans at the Moca 85 Stadium.

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The Dominican team took to the field without complexes and from the start exerted high pressure, closed down spaces, and opted for quick offensive transitions, backed by the constant support of the crowd.

The reward came in the 18th minute, when Javier Roces took advantage of a space to unleash a powerful shot that beat the Mexican goalkeeper and gave the Dominican side a 1-0 lead.

Mexico reacted by pushing their lines forward and increasing ball possession, but they encountered a well-organized defense and an outstanding performance by goalkeeper Edwin “El Gato” Frías.

The best opportunity for the Aztec side in the first half came in the 44th minute, when Octavio Vázquez wasted a penalty kick by sending the ball wide of the goal.

In the second half, Mexico increased its offensive pressure and generated constant attacks into the Dominican area. However, the national team maintained defensive order and resisted the siege until the 78th minute, when Jonathan Pérez connected a header to establish the final 1-1 draw.

Far from settling for the draw, the Dominican Republic continued to look for the opponent’s goal in the final minutes and created several dangerous approaches, maintaining the intensity until the final whistle.

With this result, Dominicans and Mexicans share the lead of Group A with four points each. Venezuela is in third place with three units, while Guatemala has yet to score any points.

The draw keeps the fight for qualification to the next round open and confirms the growth of the Dominican team, which once again competed on equal terms against one of the tournament’s main favorites.

Women’s soccer takes action

The activity will continue this Sunday, August 2nd, at the Moca 85 Stadium. Jamaica will face Mexico at 4:00 in the afternoon in a match corresponding to Group B, while the Dominican Republic will face Venezuela at 7:00 at night in a Group A match.