Post-Game: LA Galaxy

By: Michael Sandoval 

It was late, but it was great!  Marco Pappa’s 95^th minute goal gave the Colorado Rapids their first win of the 2016 season against 5 time MLS Cup winners Los Angeles Galaxy.  It was a physical affair between the two clubs and seemed destined for a disappointing 0-0 ending, but Pappa and the Rapids never gave up, determined to make Dicks Sporting Goods Park a fortress this season.

Colorado’s starting eleven saw two changes from the loss to San Jose, with Mekeil Williams and Marc Burch replacing Eric Miller and Marlon Hairston.  Both Williams and Burch fell into their roles quickly, combing with center defenders Axel Sjoberg and Jared Watts to frustrate LA’s Mike Magee and Robbie Keane.  It was a night of “which defense would break first”, and while they did bend, they never broke.  Giving the Galaxy few chances, and only allowing them one shot on goalkeeper Zac MacMath.

The first chance of the game would go to Colorado.  Kevin Doyle made a near post run and made a diving attempt at a cross from Williams.  The Irishman made contact with the ball but sent it narrowly wide.  Not to be out done by his fellow countryman Keane would get his head on a ball in the 9^th minute, but also sent it wide of the mark.  A rare miss from a player of his quality (Rapids fans we dodged a bullet there, left unmarked!). 

LA had to leave Dick’s with a sour taste in their mouth from the amount of chances they missed in the game.  Their next opportunity came in the 30^th minute off a free kick from none other than Steven Gerrard.  The English legend curled a beauty to the far post to an open Jelle Van Damme (awesome name!).  The big Belgian would volley the cross but was dismayed to see it strike the crossbar and eventually fall into the arms of MacMath. 

The first half would come to a close with both teams failing to find the back of the net in what was a tight and choppy affair.  Colorado came out strong but failed to keep the momentum going for long and LA seemed all too happy to kill the clock from the get go.  It was a half that saw a lot of free kicks and restarts, and lacked fluidity. 

In the second half the Rapids did seem more determined to get a goal and forced LA to defend for the majority of the half.  Their first chance came in the 51^st minute when a loose ball was rattling around inside the LA’s penalty area.  Both Doyle and Shkelzen Gashi were there trying to get a foot on the ball, but despite their best efforts it would roll harmlessly to keeper Brian Rowe. 

Gashi would create another chance a minute later, striking the ball from 20 yards out and narrowly missing the far post.  The Algerian was more dangerous in this game then he was against San Jose, showing signs of what most certainly will come.  He would get yet another chance in the 73^rd minute after being played into eighteen by a beautiful pass from Dillon Powers.  Gashi tried to beat Rowe at his near post but the goalie was equal to the effort and pushed it out for a corner.  To finish off the Gashi happy paragraph the Euro hopeful tested the LA keeper one more time before coming off by blasting a shot from the edge of the eighteen but was denied by a diving Rowe.

 

The LA keeper had a good night but I’d like to take this time to give a shout out to Doyle who took it upon himself to give Rowe a friendly push after delaying the game.  To the young kids…not ideal behavior…but I’m sure I speak for every Rapids fans who was in attendance Saturday night when I say well done and Doyle rules!  For those who didn’t see it…shame on you for not watching!

And shame on those who left early!  For if you were one of those “I got to beat the traffic!” fans, you missed out on some Pappa magic.  In the 95^th minute, and what would essentially be the last play of the game, the newcomer started and finished the play that would capture all 3 points, and start off the home season on the right foot.  Pappa crossed the ball into eighteen where Doyle attempted to pop it over defender Daniel Steres.  Steres would win the ball out of the air but only managed to send it into the path of a streaking Pappa who held nothing back when he volleyed the loose ball.  The strike was clean and glanced off the crossbar before tucking into the far side of the net.  If Pappa doesn’t continue his run after passing the ball to Doyle, we don’t win.  It was a great run and from a fan, I love the effort Pappa!

It wasn’t the prettiest of games but Colorado got the job done and walked out with all three points.  Next week’s game will be on Sunday against DC United.  Before I leave, big shout out to all those who worked on those beautiful tifos!  They look amazing! 

Colorado Rapids: Zac MacMath, Mekeil Williams, Axel Sjoberg, Jared Watts, Marc Burch, Micheal Azira, Sam Cronin, Dillon Powers, Dominique Badji (Marco Pappa 67’), Shkelzen Gashi (Dillon Serna 83’), Kevin Doyle.
Subs not used: Chris Froschauer, Bobby Burling, Zach Pfeffer, Conor Doyle, Luis Solignac.

LA Galaxy: Brian Rowe, A.J. DeLaGarza, Daniel Steres, Jelle Van Damme, Robbie Rogers, Nigel de Jong, Steven Gerrard, Sebastian Lletget (Baggio Husidic 78’), Gyasi Zardes, Mike Magee (Emmanuel Boateng 67’), Robbie Keane.
Subs not used: Clement Diop, Ashley Cole, Ari Lassiter, Rafael Garcia, Dave Romney.