Weekend soccer roundup: Semifinals begin, Ticos traded in MLS

Reigning Costa Rican soccer champion Club Sport Herediano defeated San Carlos, 2-0, in the first leg of the Clausura semifinals on Saturday.

Jimmy Marín and José Guillermo Ortiz scored for Herediano as it secured the home win. San Carlos manager Luis Marin lamented a no-call from the referee that would have resulted in a penalty and potentially a valuable away goal.

“Herediano beat us fairly, but I have to say that the penalty was clear,” Marin told reporters.

San Carlos, which finished atop the regular-season table, has a guaranteed spot in the Gran Final even if it loses the semifinal.

In the other semifinal contest, Saprissa earned a 1-1 tie at Pérez Zeledón on a rainy Sunday afternoon. The result leaves Saprissa in position to advance with a positive result at its home stadium Wednesday night.

***

Elsewhere in Costa Rican fútbol news, Major League Soccer’s Minnesota United FC traded captain Francisco Calvo to the Chicago Fire in exchange for cash.

Calvo, the Costa Rican defenseman, was recently suspended for a red-card violation and subsequently benched by Minnesota United.

“These moments seem sometimes quick,” Minnesota United FC sporting director Manny Lagos told reporters about the trade. “The reality is we discuss the right fit, the right time, the right place. That has to be more than just a weakened moment.”

Calvo joins fellow Costa Rican Diego Campos and German footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger on Chicago.

Calvo made a substitute appearance in Saturday’s scoreless draw against Los Angeles FC.

***

Monday morning, the Columbus Crew announced it had traded an international roster spot to the Portland Timbers for midfielder David Guzman.

“We are excited to welcome David to Columbus Crew SC,” Columbus Crew President Tim Bezbatchenko said in a statment. “David is a player who brings World Cup, Copa America, Concacaf Champions League and MLS Cup experience to the club, and who will add depth to our midfield.

“Having worked with Caleb before, we believe David will quickly integrate into our squad and we look forward to his contributions to Crew SC.”

Guzman joins fellow Tico Waylon Francis on Columbus, and the midfielder may see action when the Crew face the Los Angeles Galaxy on Wednesday.

This story was updated at 2:15 p.m. after details of the David Guzman trade were confirmed. It was updated again May 8 to clarify the knockout stage prior to the championship round.