by Rod Hughes

While Saprissa was putting another step on its ladder to the so-called “opening tourney” of the regular season, Brujas of Escazu and Heredia were tying 0-0 Wednesday. For Brujas, clearly the dominant side, it was complete frustration, partly due to their having to oplay with 10 men for 50 minutes. This was after Colombian Ricardo Steer rammed Heredia defender Roberth Arias with his chest and referee Hugo Cruz gave him the red card. Some considered Cruz’s decision to expell Steer undly harsh but it was so blatant and ill-natured that the official could hardly ignore it.

Outstanding was Heredia goalie Ricardo González in staving off the repeated Brujas attacks. On the other hand, the offense of his teammates appeared timid and, well, inoffensive.