by Rod Hughes (written Thurs. April 3)

“Houston, you have a problem. Saprissa has built a wall and you can’t find the goal…”!

This was the situation in Houston last night when Saprissa tied 0-0 with the two-time soccer champion Dynamo. The evening was a complete frustration for the Dynamo, especially the second half when the big D launched attack after attack on the goal against a seemingly impervious Saprissa defense. In fact, Dynamo goalie Pat Onstad left his shop and went out to midfield to strengthen the attack, to no avail.

But, one might ask, what’s the purpose of all this for a 0-0 result? One does not win the CONCACAF champion’s league by tying. Why is everyone smiling in the Tico camp?

Well, it just so happens that next Wednesday, Saprissa will be playing Dynamo on its home pitch and the club is wicked in Ricardo Saprissa Stadium in Tibás. “Welcome to my parlor,” said the spider. The winner will play Pachuca of Mexico or D.C. United in the finals. And the winner there goes on to the the World Club Champions tournament.