This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2011, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Sandy • Deportivo Saprissa came into Tuesday's semifinal CONCACAF Champions League first leg against Real Salt Lake with plenty of history and a great nickname.
RSL's front line attackers, including former Saprissa forward Alvaro Saborio, wasted little time making a bit of history of their own. They sliced "The Purple Monster" open like a grape.
In the midst of both RSL goals was forward Fabian Espindola. The Argentine set up the first goal and scored the second in RSL's 2-0 victory.
"I was just trying to do my best, and it worked," said Espindola adding about his goal, which took plenty patience. "Sometimes you can do more if you have more time to think."
By rights, Espindola should have had a second assist, but Nat Borchers' goal in the opening minutes was disallowed for a phantom push.
"[Espindola] started this preseason like a man on fire," RSL coach Jason Kreis said. "From the very first day of preseason I could see something in his eye. He seems to be an extremely, extremely hungry player that wants to take the next step forward in this league and his career.
"He's played very well in both of the last two matches."
Espindola's goal in the 56th minute was a product of hustle and forward movement. He had collided with a defender and the ball went spiraling backward, right to the foot of Andy Williams.
In the blink of an eye, Williams saw Espindola streaking down the left side. The pass was perfect and Espindola took the extra touch, setting up the goalie before blasting the ball into the net.
"It was an unbelievable finish by Fabian," said RSL midfielder Will Johnson.
More unbelievable was Espindola's pass to Saborio that led to RSL's opening goal in the ninth minute. The pass threaded the slimmest of spaces.
"Maybe I was lucky but I trying to do that, so …" Espindola said. " We did a very good job attacking and defending. So we're ready to go there."
Highlights
• RSL forward Fabian Espindola finishes with one assist and a goal.
• RSL midfielder Andy Williams assists on both goals.
• At least two Saprissa players will miss the next match with yellow cards.