There was nothing dignified about Major League Soccer’s exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Like I said, the 0-0 draws in the first legs meant the second legs were mere formalities. One way or another the second leg home teams were going to win the series. But why did the Revs and Galaxy have to lose in such stupidly spectacular fashion?

In the away leg the Galaxy managed to blow a 2-0 halftime lead and then lose the game to Saprissa 3-2 in overtime. I don’t know what Steve Sampson said at halftime, but it obviously wasn’t the right thing to say.

And then the Revolution, after 179 scoreless minutes over the course of two games, let Alajuelense score in the 180th minute of play. Granted, the game winning free kick was an absolutely stunner.

What can you say? Saprissa and Alajuelense did what neither the Revolution nor the Galaxy managed to do: they got the job done at home. Until Major League Soccer teams can do that themselves on a consistent basis the league will always struggle internationally.

I knew I’d read it before …

“I’m the only person who can change things in New York.” - Giorgio Chinaglia, March 7, 2006

“If we are going to make this work, I’m the only one who can do it.” - Giorgio Chinaglia, February 10, 2003

The first quote is from yesterday’s Jack Bell article previously discussed here, and the second is from another Jack Bell article which I’ve reposted for you reading pleasure here.