Hernandez's free kick eliminates Revolution
Carlos Hernandez's 25-yard free kick in the 90th minute gave LD Alajuelense a 1-0 win over the Revolution last night at Alajuela, Costa Rica, the only goal in the two-leg Champions Cup series.
Alajuelense, which won the tournament in 2004 and finished second last year, will meet Club America of Mexico in the semifinals March 22 and March 29. Club America took a 5-2 victory over Portmore United of Jamaica at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, taking the series by a 7-3 aggregate.
Hernandez scored twice for Costa Rica in a 3-0 victory over the United States last year, clinching the Ticos' berth in the World Cup finals. Costa Rica will meet Germany in the opening match of the World Cup June 9.
The Revolution used the same 4-4-2 formation as in the first leg, a 0-0 tie in Hamilton, Bermuda, Feb. 22. And the setup functioned well defensively, but failed to produce many scoring opportunities.
The Revolution offense was also altered by the absence of attacking players, plus a lack of preparation time.
Steve Ralston was a surprise starter on right wing, in his first game since the MLS Cup Nov. 13. Ralston (right quadriceps), injured during US national team training camp in early January, was replaced by Jose Cancela in the 63d minute. Pat Noonan (hamstring), Michael Parkhurst (quadriceps), and Khano Smith (knee) did not make the trip.
As in 2003, the Revolution qualified for the Champions Cup by reaching the MLS Cup final. Then, the Revolution were eliminated by Alajuelense.
In the other semifinal, Toluca of Mexico will meet defending champion CD Saprissa, which rallied from a two-goal deficit to take a 3-2 overtime victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy, defender Reynaldo Parks heading in the deciding score. Toluca took a 4-1 aggregate victory over CD Olimpia of Honduras. The Champions Cup winner qualifies for the World Club Cup in Japan.
The Revolution will return to Costa Rica for training camp March 15-25 in preparation for the MLS season opener at Los Angeles April 1.
