SAN JOSE, Costa Rica - After a terrific first half, the defending MLS champion Los Angeles Galaxy couldn't hang on and dethrone the defending CONCACAF champion, falling 3-2 in extra time to Deportivo Saprissa in the second leg of their CONCACAF Champions' Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday night.
After the first leg ended scoreless two weeks ago in California, the Galaxy had a two-goal lead by halftime through the hard work of Josh Gardner, who scored one and set up another. But the home side scored twice shortly after the break before a header from Reynaldo Parks in extra time again provided late heroics for Saprissa against an MLS team.
The home side was surprised from the outset as they ceded the initiative to a quicker Galaxy side that combined very well. That was much different than Saprissa, which relied mainly on long balls from Randall Azofeifa, looking for the dangerous Alvaro Saborío.
The first chance of the game came after just two minutes from a set piece that worried Saprissa goalkeeper Jose Francisco Porras, but didn't find the mark.
Seven minutes later Saprissa came forward in a timid advance led by Walter Centeno, then in the 10th minute the spearhead Saborío put forth an effort, but the Galaxy goal remained immaculate.
The Galaxy appeared to be the team in the midst of their season, and not Saprissa, who were consistently troubled by the ability and movement of Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan, who began to enter the Purples' territory with more frequency.
In the 18th minute, the Galaxy attacked down the right, where they did their most damage on the night. Herculez Gomez beat defender Gabriel Badilla and centered for Donovan, who intelligently allowed the ball to run on to Gardner, who came charging up on the left and drove the ball out of the reach of Porras inside the far post.
After the opening goal, Hernan Medford's side began to lose even more control, and the Galaxy took advantage in the 40th minute. Gardner stole the ball from the veteran Parks on the left and drove a centering pass to Donovan, who with the touch of a surgeon poked the ball past Porras for a 2-0 Galaxy lead entering the break.
The Central Americans had to take risks to get back into the match, and understanding that Medford brought on the skillful Alonso Solis. In the opening rush of the first 40 seconds of the half he sent a ball into the area that Centeno was able to head home and bring Saprissa halfway back.
The MLS champions were put under pressure and unable to resist, and just 10 minutes later Saprissa pulled level thanks to playmaker Solis.
The remainder of the regular session was occupied mainly by a constant Saprissa attack on the Galaxy goal, but while they had many opportunities they couldn't find their way past Galaxy goalkeeper Kevin Hartman. After 90 minutes the series remained where it started on the night, level on aggregate and with extra time to come.
Just as the year before, Saprissa had to take 120 minutes to resolve a quarterfinal match against an MLS side, where late heroics gave the Purples a victory against the Kansas City Wizards.
On that occasion it was Gerald Drummond, whose two goals sealed the fate of the visitors. Wednesday it was Parks, who went forward to reach a Solis free kick knocked in from the right corner in the 94th minute. His acrobatic header in front of Ugo Ihemelu sailed over Hartman for the eventual match-winner.
Without a doubt the entrance of Solis changed the match, and the remainder of the final 30 minutes was clearly controlled by Saprissa. While the Galaxy did their best to get an equalizer, they didn't have the physical ability so early in the year and the Costa Rican side finally sealed their berth in the semifinals, where they will face Toluca of Mexico.
For Saprissa, it was confirmation of a champion still in office, and for the Galaxy, a very difficult lesson learned.
Eduardo Solano is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
