Alvarez, Wright: Revolution to coaching success

The final game as members of the New England Revolution for Leonel Alvarez and Mauricio Wright was the 2001 U.S. Open Cup. They were performing for the Revolution in a 2-1 overtime loss to the Los Angeles Galaxy in Fullerton, Calif.

Alvarez would return to Colombia to conclude his playing career and Wright would go on to play for Costa Rica in the 2002 World Cup finals in Japan and also to deliver some impressive performances for AEK in the UEFA Champions League.

Unfortunately, Alvarez and Wright left the MLS on a low note, the Revolution missing the 2001 playoffs, then squandering a 1-0 lead against the Galaxy at Titan Stadium with a chance to salvage a disastrous season. Both brought a level of sophistication to the games they played in, both served as models for young U.S. prospects.

Both were destined to become coaches. And, on Sunday, the teams Alvarez and Wright are now guiding had impressive victories.

Alvarez’ Deportivo Independiente Medellin won the Colombian championship on aggregate, following a 2-2 tie with Atletico Huila. And Wright’s Brujas FC took a 2-1 victory over Perez Zeledon in the semifinals of the Costa Rica playoffs. Brujas will meet Puntarenas in the finals.

Alvarez, who anchored the Colombian midfield in support of Carlos Valderrama in the 1980s and ‘90s, is now being considered as a candidate to become the national team coach.

Should Wright continue to impress, he will doubtless be considered to take over Costa Rica’s seleccion. The Ticos have had mixed results with coaches, and have appointed Under 20 coach Ronald Gonzalez on an interim basis for upcoming amistosos against Argentina and France.