Dep. Santo Domingo 0–1 Cuenca Juniors | Ecuadorian Campeonato Serie B | 17 July 2026

Cuenca Juniors secured a gritty 1–0 away victory over Deportivo Santo Domingo at the Estadio Etho Vega on Friday, edging closer to the promotion playoff spots in the Ecuadorian Serie B. A solitary first‑half goal proved enough for the visitors, who defended resolutely after the break to claim three valuable points on the road.

Match Overview

Both sides entered the fixture separated by just two points in the mid‑table log, making the encounter critical for their respective promotion aspirations. Deportivo Santo Domingo began brightly, pressing high and creating two early chances through striker Miguel Quiñónez, but Cuenca Juniors grew into the game as the half progressed. The decisive moment arrived in the 34th minute when Cuenca’s left‑back, Kevin Rodríguez, surged forward and unleashed a powerful shot from the edge of the box that went in off the post.

Key Moments

• 34’ – Goal (0–1): Kevin Rodríguez’s speculative strike from 22 yards catches the Santo Domingo goalkeeper off guard and nestles inside the far post.
• 52’ – Missed Chance: Dep. Santo Domingo’s best opportunity comes from a corner; centre‑back Anderson Martínez heads wide from six yards.
• 71’ – Save: Cuenca keeper Jonathan Guerrero denies a close‑range effort from substitute Carlos Tubón with a reflex stop.
• 85’ – Late Pressure: The home side throw men forward but fail to test Guerrero again as Cuenca’s defence holds firm.

Tactical Story

Cuenca Juniors employed a cautious 4‑4‑1‑1 formation, inviting Santo Domingo possession in deep areas while looking to hit on the counter. The visitors’ compact defensive block limited the home team to just four shots on target across the 90 minutes. Deportivo Santo Domingo’s width was neutralised by Cuenca’s disciplined full‑backs, and the central midfield duo of José Castillo and Bryan Ayoví won the second‑ball battles effectively. Santo Domingo’s inability to convert set‑piece opportunities proved costly, as they won eight corners but created little clear danger.

Standout Players

• Kevin Rodríguez (Cuenca Juniors): The match‑winner, Rodríguez combined defensive solidity with a stunning goal; also made four interceptions on his flank.
• Jonathan Guerrero (Cuenca Juniors): A clean sheet built on three crucial saves, including a vital stop in the 71st minute that preserved the lead.
• Miguel Quiñónez (Dep. Santo Domingo): Worked tirelessly up front, holding up play and forcing two saves, but lacked support in the final third.

Season Impact

The win lifts Cuenca Juniors to fifth place in the Serie B standings, now just two points behind fourth‑placed Imbabura with a game in hand. For Deportivo Santo Domingo, the defeat drops them to seventh, four points adrift of the promotion playoff zone. With the second stage of the season approaching its halfway point, results like this could prove decisive in the race for a top‑four finish and a chance to reach Serie A.