by Rod Hughes

Alajuela’s soccer team, down 3-0 against Municipal in the UNCAF tourney, went to their rival’s home pitch in Guatemala last night desperately seeking a miracle and, not surprisingly, did not find it, although the Costa Rican team won. (For background, see article 1460)

Those following this sad saga will remember last week—no matter how much they try to forget—when a small group of hooligans invaded the pitch at Alajuela’s Morera Soto Stadium with the score 2-1 in Municipal’s favor. The mini-riot resulted in Alajuela’s goal being awarded to Municipal and the Alajuela club getting a $10,000 fine.

All very un-Costa Rican behavior—inculto, you know—but something about international football (soccer) seems to bring out the beast in a few fans. If you don’t believe this, just ask someone from Liverpool whose fans created fear and loathing in Europe’s stadiums a few decades ago.

So, los Menudos as Alajuela players are affectionately known among their calmer fans, went to Guatemala with the task of making three goals to zero to tie and possibly face down Municipal in a shootout of penalty shots. This is like climbing Mount Everest in a wheelchair—not strictly impossible but unlikely, soccer being a defensive game.

Roy Myrie, having a great year, blasted in the game’s lone goal on a centering kick from Mario Viquez at minute 53. This 1-0 result would have meant a tie in goals if Alajuela had gone into the game only down 2-1. But, thanks to that tiny group of ruffians calling themselves “La Doce” and their stupid antics last week, the miracle did not happen.