CD Marte Soyapango and AD Izalco Share Spoils in Four-Goal Segunda Division Thriller

CD Marte Soyapango and AD Izalco played out an entertaining 2-2 draw in the El Salvador Segunda Division on 29 October 2026, with both sides twice finding the net in a match that swung one way and then the other. Marte looked set to claim all three points after retaking the lead in the second half, but Izalco responded late to earn a share of the spoils in a result that keeps the promotion race firmly in view for both clubs.

The four-goal contest was a good advertisement for the Segunda Division: competitive, physical and full of momentum shifts. Marte’s home support saw their team create the better chances for long spells, while Izalco showed resilience and no little quality on the counter-attack. In the end, a draw felt like a fair reflection of a game in which neither side managed to impose complete control.

Match overview

CD Marte Soyapango started brightly and took the game to their visitors from the opening minutes. The home side pressed high, won second balls in midfield and looked to get crosses into the box early. That approach brought the opening goal in the 18th minute, when a well-worked corner was met by a powerful header at the near post. The goalkeeper had little chance, and Marte had the lead their early pressure deserved.

AD Izalco responded well to going behind. They slowed the tempo, kept possession more carefully and began to find space in wide areas. The equaliser arrived in the 34th minute after a quick break down the right. A low cross was only half-cleared, and Izalco’s forward reacted first to stab the ball home from close range. The goal changed the mood of the match and gave the visitors confidence going into half-time.

The second half was more open. Marte regained the initiative and were awarded a penalty in the 61st minute after a driving run into the box was halted by a challenge. The spot-kick was converted confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way and restoring the home side’s advantage. For a while, Marte managed the game well, but Izalco refused to fade. The visitors pushed more bodies forward in the final 15 minutes and found their reward in the 84th minute with a fine strike from the edge of the area that flew into the bottom corner.

Key moments

• 18th minute – Marte take the lead: A corner from the right was delivered with pace, and a strong near-post header gave CD Marte Soyapango the opener.
• 34th minute – Izalco equalise: A quick counter-attack down the right ended with a low cross that was converted from close range after Marte failed to clear.
• 61st minute – Marte convert penalty: A surging run into the penalty area drew a foul, and the resulting spot-kick was dispatched with confidence.
• 84th minute – Izalco level again: AD Izalco worked space on the edge of the box and found the bottom corner with a low, accurate strike.
• Late pressure: Both teams had half-chances in the closing minutes, but neither could find a fifth goal in a frantic finish.

Tactical story

CD Marte Soyapango’s game plan was built on intensity and width. They looked to win the ball back quickly in the opponent’s half, then move it wide and deliver early crosses into the penalty area. The home side’s midfield worked hard to support the press, and their set-piece threat was evident throughout. Marte’s biggest problem was managing the spaces left behind when their full-backs pushed forward, and Izalco exploited that on several occasions.

AD Izalco were content to absorb pressure at times and hit on the break. Their midfield stayed compact, forcing Marte to play around them rather than through the middle, and their wide players carried a real threat in transition. The equalising goal was a perfect example of their approach: a fast break, a dangerous cross and a striker alert to the loose ball. In the second half, Izalco became more adventurous, and that willingness to commit players forward eventually earned them a point.

The match also highlighted the physical demands of the Segunda Division. Both teams struggled at moments to maintain their shape after long spells without the ball, and the final 20 minutes featured stretched formations and plenty of space in midfield. That openness contributed to the late drama and made the draw feel like a genuine contest rather than a cautious stalemate.

Standout performers

CD Marte Soyapango’s attacking midfielder was at the heart of most of their best moves, linking play between midfield and attack and drawing the foul that led to the penalty. The centre-forward also impressed with his hold-up play and movement in the box, while the goalkeeper made a couple of important stops despite conceding twice.

For AD Izalco, the right