Action from the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League match between host Dragon and Saprissa (white jersey) on August 25, 2016, in San Salvador, El Salvador. (Photo: Mexsport)
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – Dragon (0W-1D-2L, 1 point) bounced back from a 6-0 loss at Saprissa (1-1-0, 4) in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League to draw 0-0 with the Costa Rican power on Thursday night at the Estadio Cuscatlan.
The result wasn’t enough, however, to prevent the Salvadoran champion’s elimination from contention with one game remaining on its schedule. Saprissa took sole possession of first place in Group B over the idle Portland Timbers (1-0-0, 3).
The visitor had opportunities -- especially in the second half -- to gain all three points, but was thwarted multiple times by Dragon goalkeeper Henry Hernandez.
In the 73rd minute, Hernandez made a fingertip save on Hansell Arauz’s attempt from the right side of the box to keep the score knotted.
Daniel Colindres should have netted the game-winner in 76th minute when he was one-on-one against the former Isidro Metapan custodian. With the goal at his mercy, however, the 31-year-old forward shot the ball too close to Hernandez, who got his right hand down quickly for the block.
Near the end of normal time, Dragon almost avoided elimination. Saprissa goalkeeper Danny Carvajal let a Luis Valencia effort sail through his hands, only to be saved blushes by the crossbar.
Group B returns to action on September 14 with Saprissa hosting the Portland Timbers.