Saprissa, Pachuca Rally

• Scott Tann
• Wed Aug 26 2009, 5:16am GMT

After going down 1-0 in the 26th minute, Costa Rican hosts Saprissa came back to defeat the Puerto Rico Islanders 3-1 in CONCACAF Champions League Group C play last night.

Midfielder Dominic Mediate put the visitors ahead in the 26th minute. Saprissa tallied in the 35th and 40th minutes, on goals from Jairo Arrieta and Walter Centeno. Armando Alonso, who assisted on the equalizer, sealed the victory in minute 49.

Islanders starting goalkeeper Bill Gaudette served a yellow card suspension and did not play. The USL-1 side have lost two straight games.

In Group A action, Pachuca recovered from last week's loss to crush visiting Metapán, 5-0.

The Salvadorans gave up three goals in the second half, including Ulises Mendivil's tournament leading fifth goal in the 55th minute.

Metapán are now winless in two matches, while Pachuca secured a much-needed lifeline after falling 4-1 to Arabe Unido in the opening round of group play.

The Islanders return home to play Mexico's Cruz Azul on September 15, while Saprissa host the Columbus Crew the following day. Metapán welcome Arabe Unido September 15. Pachuca will host the Houston Dynamo September 16.

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