Post-Game:@Sporting KC

By: Michael Sandoval

After a disappointing loss on Saturday the Colorado Rapids bounced back with a road win against Midwest rival Sporting Kansas City.  Despite having far less possession (65% to 35%) the Rapids managed more shots on target (6 to 3) and eventually walked out of Children's  Mercy Park with a 2-1 win.

Sporting would start the game with key players Benny Feilhaber and Dom Dwyer on the bench which saw their attack struggle while the Rapids played the role of away team well.  Dominique Badji wouldn't get the first chance of the game in until the 30^th minute after receiving the ball from Marco Papp.  Badji was at the top of the eighteen and managed to create enough space to get a shot off but his effort rolled just wide of the net.

Pappa would be the architect of Colorado’s first goal twelve minutes later after stealing the ball off of Lawrence Olum.  Luis Solignac reacted quickly and split the defenders with a run inside the eighteen. Pappa’s ball got through and the Argentine once touched it pass Tim Melia for the opening goal.  Kansas City had a golden opportunity moments before when Zac MacMath miss played a ball but Diego Rubio’s effort went wide.

Sporting would introduce Feilhaber ad Dwyer early in the second half which jump started their attack.  Their pressure almost produced the equalizer in the 67^th minute when Ike Opara got on the end of a well-placed corner kick, however Shkelzen Gashi was positioned spectacularly and managed to head the ball off the line.  Opara couldn’t believe his misfortune, something Gashi was all too familiar with himself on the weekend. 

A team can only absorb so much pressure before breaking and back four broke in the 77^th minute.  There was some confusion between Bobby Burling and stand in center back Eric Miller (injuries!) which lead to Dwyer being left wide open.  Connor Hallisey’s cross went straight to the Sporting KC’s attacker who made no mistake, beating MacMath to the far post.

In their joy of equalizing it seemed Kansas City forgot the oldest clique in soccer, “you’re most vulnerable after just scoring”, falling victim to it a mere five minutes later.  Dillon Serna finally got a chance in the starting 11 playing right back, towards the end of the game he shifted to more of midfield role which paid off big for Colorado.  The youngster took an ambitious shot from well over 25 yards out which caught Melia off balance.  While the shot only managed to hit the crossbar Gashi’s attacking instinct had him well placed to one time the rebound in for his first Colorado Rapid’s goal.  It was great timing for the Albanian who played a crucial role, both offensively and defensively, in the win.

The Rapid’s busy week concludes with a home match against struggling eastern conference powerhouse New York Red Bulls. Kickoff is set for 7:00pm and will be broadcasted on Altitude (but why watch it on tv when you can be there!?).  This is going to be a big one as Jermaine Jones is set to make his debut.  With his help, going 3-0 at home seems a likely possibility.