Saprissa Vs. Olimpia, CONCACAF Champions League: Saprissa Wins First Leg

An early red card once again factored into a CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal, this time contributing to Saprissa’s 1-0 win over Olimpia on Thursday. The goal came about 13 minutes after Boniek Garcia was sent off for an off-the-ball incident that occurred in the 10th minute.

Saprissa was able to capitalize on a corner kick when Armando Alonso was able to strike a volley from about 12 yards out and beat the goalkeeper inside the near post. Although Olimpia managed to mount several strong challenges in the first half, Saprissa was able to assert their dominance in the second half.

So, admittedly this is not exactly the most sophisticated topic I’ve ever written about, especially in the middle of a relatively important match, but watching this CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal between Saprissa and Olimpia, it dawns on me that MLS could do worse than copying Saprissa’s uniforms. I bring it up because MLS kits have been a hot topic of conversation this week, and it continues to amaze me how few attractive shirts there are in MLS.

Now, I’ll admit my bias when I say that the Seattle Sounders’ Rave Green originals were one of my favorites. But I think it’s a rather sad state of affairs when the Portland Timbers two-toned uniforms are considered the best MLS has to offer. I mean, they deserve credit for going with something that looks different than anyone else, but I just don’t think they are that sharp.

Say this for the Central American teams in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal: They certainly seem to care. Both teams are in the middle of their respective league seasons, but that doesn’t seem to be affecting the quality of play on the pitch.

Saprissa has taken a 1-0 lead on a beautiful goal off the foot of Armando Alonso, the team’s leading scorer so far this season. The goal was volleyed off a deflected corner kick and beat the goalkeeper inside the near post.

About 13 minutes after going up a man due to an Olimpia red card, Saprissa has taken a 1-0 lead in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal on Thursday. The goal came on a volley by Armando Alonso off a corner kick in the 23rd minute.

Prior to the goal, Olimpia had come close to taking the lead shortly after Boniek Garcia was ejected in the 10th minute. Douglas Caetano was able to get one shot off from about eight yards out and saved, and another shot was cleared off the line by a Saprissa defender.