Conflicting feelings, but one one direction for RSL

SAN JOSE, Costa Rica– There were conflicting feelings of relief and elation afterReal Salt Lakesuffered a 2-1 loss to Deportivo Saprissa while still advancing to the Champions League final.

“I’m going to need some time to digest it,” manager Jason Kreis said. “I’m feeling a little bit bittersweet about it all at the moment. Obviously it’s a historical moment but we would have liked to have advanced in a little but more impressive fashion.”

RSLmanaged a near perfect first half, only to concede a goal in the opening minute of the second half. The early score invited the pressure of a Saprissa team that was smelling blood and a chance to even the series on aggregate goals.

Then cameJamison Olave’s goal on a corner kick which bounced in the box before falling for the Colombian defender to volley into the net from the penalty spot.

“It’s ecstasy,” Kreis said. “At that moment and for most of the game we were under a great deal of duress, stress and emotion. It was a difficult, difficult game for us.

“That goal got us through to the next leg. But what we did at home turned out to be extremely, extremely important.”

RSL now looks ahead to the final series against Cruz Azul or Monterrey on April 20 and April 27.

“We did accomplish something, there’s no doubt about it,” Kreis said. “But I think all of us feel that the real history is to be made in the next round.”

 

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