Saprissa Swamps Atlante, 3-0
by Rod Hughes
Costa Rica’s reigning soccer champion, Saprissa, rudely hosted a decidedly outclassed Atlante club last night in the CONCACAF regional tournament for clubs. Saprissa had expected the visiting Mexican club to be highly motivated after tying tough a Toluca side last Sunday.
Instead, Saprissa walked all over Atlante, forcing a self-inflicted goal by Mexican defender Javier Munoz after only 18 minutes of play, followed by the goals of Armando Alonso shortly before the first half ended and capping it at minute 65 with Andres Nunez’s blast.
Saprissa might have been forgiven for resting on their oars but they continued to play with a definite offensive spirit and Alpizar nearly made it 4-0, being in the clear in perfect position after a masterful series of his teammates’ offensive maneuvers. But he lofted the sphere over the horizontal bar.
He has seldom done that sort of thing this season and his frustration with himself was as clear as if he had missed the winning goal instead of one of unnecessary insurance. He all but bashed his head against the ground.
Don’t worry, my boy, we all mess up at times.
March 22nd, 2008 at 9:47 am
I was at the game, it was a fantastic atmosphere. It seemed that Atlante mis-calculated, thinking that they could hold on to the 1 goal advantage they obtained in the first match. They never reacted after the first goal, probably hoping for a penalty shoot-out, then once the second goal fell it was too late.
Too bad some fans behaved badly, throwing coins and other objects on to the field. It looks like in the next round they may have to play the Houston Dynamo with no fans.
March 24th, 2008 at 9:33 am
I neglected to mention the fan disorder in our coverage. Why is it that fans do not realize they are hurting their own side? Look at the damage the hooligans caused Liverpool some years ago. Enthusuasm is one thing but their behavior passed the limits…