Fifteen games into the new MLS season and the Colorado Rapids were in need of a jolt to jumpstart their season. With one win in their last five, not much has gone right for the Colorado Rapids this season, who have been struggling in all facets of the game, especially scoring goals.
Saturday night the Rapids got what they were looking for albeit in a very tight game vs. the Vancouver Whitecaps winning 1-0. The slender win was the rapids first home win of the season and brought much needed relief to the players, coaching staff, and fans.
Dick Sporting Goods Park was at near capacity for kickoff and the 1st half was a very even affair with Dillon Powers having the Rapids best chance with a free kick going just over the bar before the halftime whistle. Mother nature would rear its head during the halftime break as heavy rain came down and with lighting in the area the game was suspended an extra 20 minutes.
The extra break during halftime certainly helped the Rapids who came out much more lively than the Whitecaps and they were rewarded with a goal six minutes into the 2nd half. Lucas Pittinari connected on a hooking shot from a clever little touch-pass from Gabriel Torres to fire home the goal for the Rapids. This was Pittinari’s first goal in MLS, and certainly one that he will not forget. Both Colorado and Vancouver would exchange chances throughout the remainder of the game. With just over five minutes to go, Vancouver substitute Pedro Morales had a free kick goal disallowed by the referee for an apparent foul in the box, much to the relief of the fans at DSG Park. In the end, the Rapids would hold on for the narrow 1-0 victory on a rain filled evening.
This was a much needed win for the Colorado Rapids, who are now 2-2-7 (13 points). Fans of the team can hope that this is now the first of many home wins this season for the team.
The Rapids return to action Wednesday on the road against the Seattle Sounders and their legions of fans. Following Wednesday’s match, there is a quick turnaround and the Rapids will look to notch their 2nd home win of the year against the Portland Timbers on Saturday.
