A Kevin Doyle strike with just six minutes remaining in time gave the Colorado Rapids several firsts: the first time they’ve won a game in Seattle in the team’s history, the first time they’ve won three consecutive games since 2011 and the first time they have swept a full month of MLS regular season matches since they started 2-0 that same year.
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Clint Irwin saw action early in the game, making a diving tip at just 40 seconds in. Fortunately, Colorado settled down and controlled most all of the first half, though the scoring chances for both sides were extremely limited. Thomas’ shot in the first minute was the only legal shot on net. Seattle put the ball behind Irwin in the 13th minute, but the goal was negated for an offside penalty.
Recently-minted All-Star Drew Moor was moved to center back with the return of Michael Harrington at left back, providing much support on the defensive end for the Rapids.
Seattle again pressured early when the second half resumed, as Harrington misjudged a cross and let in Cristian Roldan. Irwin held strong again and was rewarded shortly after as Colorado adjusted and eased the pressure on their keeper.
Both sides struggled on the temporary grass surface at Century Link field, but Colorado finally found their feet late when Doyle drove home the deciding goal on a pass from Jared Watts.
The left-footed strike for the DP secured Colorado’s third consecutive and much-needed victory.
With the win, Colorado moves into a tie for last place in the Western Conference with Houston and dropped Seattle into a tie for fifth place with Portland. There is a logjam atop the Western Conference, with six teams separated by just three points.
Colorado resumes MLS play Saturday August 1 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park when they take on the Los Angeles Galaxy.