Photo by David Bernal/ISIphotos.com
The Colorado Rapids could advance to the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions League by
winning both of their last two group matches. Even so, it looks like club is throwing in the towel
on its tournament run.
Colorado sent a reserve-heavy squad to face Isidro Metapan in El Salvador for Wednesday's match,
and head coach Gary Smith didn't make the trip, either, instead leaving assistant coach Steve Guppy
to handle the team.
The Rapids come off their two week break with a trip to LA to face the Galaxy. It wasn't all rest
though as Ceus, Cummings, Larentowicz, and Nyassi played for their National Teams. Ceus and
Cummings got 2 full games, while Nyassi only had one and Larentowicz was on the bench for one and
got 15 minutes in the second.
A muggy night, a sparse crowd (hello, prep football) and Galaxy Coach Bruce Arena has the squad
rotation in full effect.
Goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts returns from injury for his first start since June, Bryan Jordan
slots in at right back for his second start of the season, Paolo Cardozo starts up front in his
third start of the season and Chad Barrett is alongside him for his first start since, um,
Monday.
The last time Colorado was in Toronto they left with their first ever win at BMO Field, and more
importantly, the MLS Cup! Tomorrow they try to make it two in a row North of the border. The Rapids
probably need 1 more win to really assure themselves of a playoff spot and their best chances are
tomorrow and next week when they host San Jose.
Do not believe that the Rapids lost to the suddenly resurgent Toronto FC on Saturday night.
No, Colorado managed only a scoreless tie at home against the worst team in the league at home
earlier this season. The 2-1 loss in Toronto was merely the latest stanza in a the mediocre medley
of 2011.
Do not believe that the Rapids lost to the suddenly resurgent Toronto FC on Saturday night.
No, Colorado managed only a scoreless tie at home against the worst team in the league at home
earlier this season. The 2-1 loss in Toronto was merely the latest stanza in a the mediocre medley
of 2011.
The last time the Earthquakes were in town the Rapids sent them packing after a crazy goal by Koz
and the trophy celebration to the left sent Colorado to MLS Cup. The stakes aren't quite so high
tomorrow night but if the Rapids have any hopes of repeating they need to repeat the result from
that night to solidify their playoff position.
Teams earn a share of the points in a tie, but rarely do they toil for it like the Colorado
Rapids did on Saturday night.
The record book will show that Chris Wondolowski scored an unassisted goal for San Jose in the
18th minute, and Drew Moor delivered an unassisted equalizer in the 71st. What the stats line will
fail to show is the frenzy and oddity on display at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Teams earn a share of the points in a tie, but rarely do they toil for it like the Colorado
Rapids did on Saturday night.
The record book will show that Chris Wondolowski scored an unassisted goal for San Jose in the
18th minute, and Drew Moor delivered an unassisted equalizer in the 71st. What the stats line will
fail to show is the frenzy and oddity on display at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
By JOEY SAMUEL
Just when the Colorado Rapids needed a win the most to hold serve in the Western Conference
playoff race, they came up short once again.
Despite a late goal off a corner kick from defender Drew Moor, the Rapids' winless streak was
stretched to five games as they tied the San Jose Earthquakes, 1-1, in front of their home
fans.
