San José, Apr 16. Saprissa and Alajuelense couldn’t get past a draw in their corresponding matches at the Costa Rican Clausura soccer tournament and continue in first and second place respectively.
Saprissa, along with interim coach Vladimir Quesada, saved a 1-1 away win against a complicated Cartaginés who resisted on the field of play not to give their rival much freedom.
Carthaginian defender Carlos Luis Barahona opened the scoring in the 29th minute after taking a free kick, which he was able to anticipate in the box to put his team in front.
The match was very short and it was difficult for both teams to generate goal action due to blocking in the defensive zone and also, the match was difficult for the Saprissistas due to the sending off of David Guzmán, at minute 67, due to a strong attack.
The equalizing score would be placed by Orlando Sinclair, who with just two minutes before the final whistle saved his Saprissa team from defeat.
With this result, the Saprissista team remain leaders of the tournament with 40 points, far behind their main rival, Alajuelense, who are second with 34 points. In the third box is Cartaginés with 33 points, Sporting fourth with 32 and fifth Herediano with 30 units.
In another attractive match of the day, Alajuelense also drew 1-1 against Herediano and missed their chance to close in on Saprissa.
The Alajuelenses, led by Argentine coach Andrés Carevic, were superior for much of the match but a poor move in the small area cost them dearly.
Alajuelense midfielder Aarón Suárez opened the scoring at minute 44 and from then on the hosts dominated play and dangerous plays. However, the tactical change at the end paid off for the Heredians, who 83 from the penalty charge would put the final tie with Anthony Contreras.
The Heredians, with their recently hired technical director, Jeaustin Campos, as a visitor to the Alejandro Morera Soto stadium, have secured a valuable result that brings them closer to qualification.
In other matches on the date, Pérez Zeledón drew 1-1 against Santos, Puntarenas beat Greece 3-0, San Carlos drew 1-1 against Sporting and Guanacasteca beat Guadalupe 2-0. ECE
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