Galaxy, Revolution Out of CONCACAF Event

Major League Soccer’s participation in the 2006 CONCACAF Champions Cup came to an abrupt end Wednesday night when the Galaxy and the New England Revolution were ousted from the regional championship.

The Galaxy let a two-goal halftime lead evaporate at San Jose, Costa Rica, losing, 3-2, in overtime to Deportivo Saprissa, the annual tournament’s defending champion.

The Revolution, runner-up to the Galaxy in last year’s MLS Cup, was defeated in Costa Rica, 1-0, by Alajuelense on a 90th-minute free kick goal by Carlos Hernandez. Both MLS teams had earned 0-0 ties in the home leg of the quarterfinal series.

Josh Gardner gave the Galaxy the lead in the 21st minute and created another goal for Landon Donovan in the 41st as Coach Steve Sampson’s team had the better of the first 45 minutes.

But Saprissa’s Walter Centeno halved the Galaxy lead a mere 37 seconds into the second half, scoring on a header off a free kick by Alonso Solis. Solis then tied the match in the 57th minute, beating rookie defender Nathan Sturgis and sliding the ball past goalkeeper Kevin Hartman from close range. Winston Parks scored the winner 4:13 into the 30-minute overtime.

In another quarterfinal series match, Club America of Mexico routed Portmore United of Jamaica, 5-2, at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.

Also, Toluca of Mexico came from behind at home to edge Olimpia of Honduras, 2-1, to win its series, 4-1, on aggregate.

Club America will play Alajuelense and Toluca will play Saprissa in the two-legged semifinals later this month.

-- Grahame L. Jones