Saprissa vs. Alajuelense: summary of the first leg semifinal of the Liga Promerica | SPORT-TOTAL

A header from the tall Kendall Waston rescued Saprissa this Sunday to draw 1-1 at home against Alajuelense in the first leg of the semifinals of the Clausura Soccer Tournament in Costa Rica, while in the other series Cartaginés took advantage of 1 -0 on the Herediano.

In a match that was played at the San José National Stadium and a heavy downpour fell, Saprissa and Alajuelense matched the Costa Rican soccer classic with goals from Johan Venegas at minute 60 and Kendall Waston at 83.

Alajuelense, led by Spanish coach Albert Rudé, was better in most of the game and opted for fast play on the wings by Carlos Mora and Panamanian Freddy Góndola, who had the best chance in the first half with a shot from outside the goal. crashed area in the vertical.

Saprissa opted for a reinforced defense that severely cut off their attacking possibilities, which were limited to individual plays by Andy Reyes and set pieces.

At minute 60, Alajuelense translated their best football into a goal when Celso Borges sent a cross to the head of Johan Venegas, who crossed a chopped shot that left goalkeeper Aaron Cruz static.

From that moment on, Saprissa’s coach, Jeaustin Campos, put aside his precautions and sent more offensive players onto the pitch who gradually pushed the team into rival territory to generate danger.

The tie came in a corner kick play that the lanky Waston headed into the nets. At the end of the game, both teams had chances to win, but the attackers did not take advantage of them.

The second leg will be played next Wednesday at the Alejandro Morera Soto stadium, home of Alajuelense. In the other semifinal series, Cartaginés took a 1-0 lead this Sunday over Herediano with a goal by defender José Vargas in a set piece play in the 17th minute.

Cartaginés tried to increase the score with Cuban striker Marcel Hernández as spearhead and midfielder Luis Ronaldo Araya coming from behind; however, there was no clarity to score.

Herediano tried to level the score and the most dangerous move was a shot by Keneth Vargas that goalkeeper Kevin Briceño deflected with a great hand. The second leg will be played on Tuesday at the National Stadium in San José.

Saprissa vs. Alajuelense: alignments