Thomas Brace Lifts Copiapo Past San Marcos, Strengthens Hold on Second Place

COPIAPO, Chile — Jones Thomas has made a habit of decisive strikes in recent weeks, and Saturday's performance at Estadio Luis Valenzuela Hermosilla only reinforced his growing reputation as Deportes Copiapo's most reliable finisher.

Thomas scored twice, including the eventual winner, as Copiapo dispatched San Marcos de Arica 3-1 in a Primera B clash that carried significant implications for both clubs' promotion ambitions. The victory extended Copiapo's unbeaten streak to four matches and solidified their grip on second place with 45 points from 26 matches, opening a three-point cushion over the visiting side.

For much of the first half, the match unfolded as a tense, tactical affair befitting two teams separated by just three points in the standings. Both sides probed cautiously, aware that a single mistake could prove costly in the race for promotion to Chile's top flight. San Marcos, having drawn three of their previous five matches, appeared content to absorb pressure and counter when opportunities emerged.

But the deadlock shattered immediately after the interval. Thomas needed less than a minute of second-half action to break through, capitalizing on what appeared to be a defensive lapse by San Marcos. The goal represented his second consecutive match with a score sheet appearance — he had netted the lone goal in Copiapo's 1-0 victory at Recoleta a week earlier.

San Marcos responded with admirable resolve. Just six minutes after falling behind, the visitors equalized through a goal that briefly threatened to shift momentum back in their favor. The quick response exposed vulnerabilities in Copiapo's defensive shape and raised questions about whether the hosts could maintain their composure under pressure.

Those doubts proved fleeting. Copiapo regained control of proceedings in the match's latter stages, dictating tempo and pinning San Marcos deeper into their own half. Thomas struck again in the 80th minute, exploiting space that San Marcos' tiring defense could no longer effectively patrol. The goal effectively decided the contest, though Copiapo would add insurance in stoppage time to complete the emphatic scoreline.

The victory marks a crucial statement for Copiapo, who have now collected points in four consecutive league fixtures. That stretch includes two wins and two draws, a run of form that has transformed their promotion prospects. After struggling through an inconsistent August that featured a disappointing draw with Cobreloa, Copiapo appear to have discovered the consistency required for a sustained push toward automatic promotion.

San Marcos, meanwhile, must confront mounting concerns about their ability to convert solid defensive performances into positive results. Saturday's defeat represents their eighth loss of the campaign, and their recent form — just one victory in their last five matches — suggests a team treading water at precisely the wrong moment. With 42 points from 26 matches, they remain firmly in contention, but the margin for error continues to shrink with each passing week.

The contrast in attacking output between the sides has become increasingly stark. While Thomas has emerged as Copiapo's go-to scorer in critical moments, San Marcos have struggled to identify consistent goal-scoring threats. Their recent fixtures have produced a concerning pattern: three scoreless draws in their last eight matches, and an over-reliance on sporadic offensive bursts that have proven unsustainable against stronger opposition.

For Copiapo, Thomas's form represents perhaps the most encouraging development in what has been a solid, if unspectacular, campaign. His ability to deliver in consecutive matches — including two winners in the span of eight days — provides exactly the type of reliable scoring punch that promotion-chasing sides require during the season's decisive stretch.

Both teams now face crucial weeks ahead as the Primera B season enters its final third. Copiapo will look to maintain their position in the automatic promotion places, knowing that any significant slip could invite pressure from the chasing pack. San Marcos must quickly rediscover the defensive solidity that produced three consecutive clean sheets earlier this season while addressing their scoring struggles.

Saturday's result may ultimately be remembered as the moment Copiapo seized control of their promotion destiny, while San Marcos watched a golden opportunity slip through their fingers.