Post-Game: NYRB

By: Michael Sandoval

In what was deemed the SnowClasico 2.0, the Colorado Rapids edged out the New York Red Bulls 2-1.  Despite giving up their first goal at home, our burgundy boys showed tremendous spirit to remain perfect at home.  It was a game filled with story lines, Jermaine Jones made his debut, Mekeil Williams was back in action, snow poured from the sky, and Dominque Badji came in late to play the hero.  The soccer might have been sloppy, but the theater was superb.

After a small delay, and to the surprise of many, the first half kicked off and the first chance would go to the Red Bulls.  In the 7^th mintue Bradley Wright-Phillips found some space inside the eighteen and tried to test Zac MacMath to his far post but sent his shot comfortably wide. 

Jones, who took over the role of attacking midfielder (34 years young bitches!), would get the next opportunity to score in the 21^st.  Williams managed to send in a low cross from the corner which found its way to Jones.  The U.S International made no mistake, capping his debut, and return to soccer, with the go ahead goal.  In the 34^th minute he would almost double the score line after Marco Pappa fed him ball at the top of the eighteen.  Jones would take the shot but it went straight at New York keeper Luis Robles.

Colorado would go into the locker room with the 1-0 lead and almost doubled it in the 53^rd minute when Jones would take the role of playmaker by finding Pappa open in the middle of the penalty area.  The Guatemalan had to take his shot quickly and would try to place the ball in the top corner.  He was almost successful, managing to beat Robles but not the post.

The missed opportunity would soon haunt the Rapids as the Red Bulls pulled even in the 60^th minute.  The play started with a New York corner kick, the initial cross was cleared but right back to Sacha Kljestan whose second ball would find Ronald Zubar at the back post for the equalizer.  Not satisfied with the draw the Red Bulls would almost take the lead five minutes later when they had a one on one with MacMath at close range.  The young keeper was more than equal to the effort and casually pushed it away.

In an attempt to rejuvenate our attack Pablo brought Badji in at the 65^th minute mark, quickly followed by Dillon Serna in the 73rd.  Badji would get his first chance in the 79^th minute, forcing Robles into a diving save after heading a well-placed crossed towards the near post.  Not to be denied his opening goal of the season Badji would get another chance two minutes later.  Jones would find a streaking Badji whose pace was too much for the Red Bulls back line.  The youngster made no mistake with his finish, beating Robles to his far post for the game winner.

The victory was a well-deserved result for a team who put forth a tremendous spirit in harsh conditions.  The win makes the Rapids a perfect 3-0 at home, and puts them at 4-2-1 on the season.  The next game will be against the Seattle Sounders on Saturday, April 23^rd, at 7:00pm. 

Colorado Rapids: Zac MacMath, Mekeil Williams, Bobby Burling, Eric Miller, Marc Burch, Micheal Azira, Sam Cronin, Jermaine Jones, Marco Pappa (Dillon Serna 73’), Shkëlzen Gashi (Dominique Badji 65’), Luis Solignac (Conor Doyle 85’).

Subs not used: Chris Froschauer, Zach Pfeffer, Dillon Powers.

New York Red Bulls: Luis Robles, Chris Duvall, Karl Ouimette (Lloyd Sam 87’), Kemar Lawrence, Ronald Zubar (Connor Lade 84’), Alex Muyl, Dax McCarty, Felipe, Mike Grella, Sacha Kljestan (Anatole Bertrand Abang 85’), Bradley Wright-Phillips.

Subs not used: Kyle Reynish, Zach Carroll, Sal Zizzo, Sean Davis.