Rapids blow lead in clash of titans in 1-1 tie

Some ties feel like ties, while others are as sweet as a win or as devastating as a loss. This Rapids tie falls into the disappointment category.

The Rapids looked to ace their biggest test of the season, with Supporters’ Shield leader F.C. Dallas coming into town and the Rapids waiting to pounce in second place. The Rapids showed themselves to be up to the big occasion, dominating early and taking the game to the Toros.

The game of the year in the MLS started late as the Colorado skies refused to cooperate. After roughly 45 minutes, the game was back on and started off with the Rapids dominating possession and taking the game to an F.C. Dallas lineup that was missing some offensive fire power.

Tim Howard had the first big play of the game early in the first half he was forced to make a tough save above his head on a blast from Michael Barrios. A careless Jared Watts turnover allowed the Dallas attacker to get in front of goal but the Rapids’ No. 1 was up to the challenge.

The Rapids responded with quick combination play, spearheaded by a Micheal Azira pass to Shkelzen Gashi at the height of the penalty kick spot. Gashi quickly headed the ball to Kevin Doyle, who let rip a first-time shot that was deflected off a Dallas defender on the goal line.

Colorado took command of the game and didn’t relinquish it from there. The Rapids controlled possession with organized passing from the defense, led by Azira and Sam Cronin and their good link-up play. Dillon Powers asserted himself, coming deeper to grab the ball and making precise passes to get the ball moving. One such pass into space put Marlon Hairston one-on-one with the goalkeeper. A right place, right time tip by Matt Hedges sent the ball just barely outside the right post for a corner.

While Dallas found some space and made themselves dangerous on a few breaks, the Rapids defense was generally prepared and Tim Howard seemed especially up for the occasion. The Rapids pressed high and with ferocity leaving the Hoops little time to pass the ball around and get forward.

High pressure is exactly what broke the game open at the end of the first half. Dallas right back Atiba Harris made an ill-advised pass that was instantly intercepted by Hairston, who calmly faced goal, got by Dallas Goalie Chris Seitz and tapped the ball home to give the Rapids a 1-0 lead at the 43:01 mark.

The Rapids managed to control the game at the beginning of the second half while continuing to control possession. The Rapids’ attitude was a much more passive one, seeming almost content to control the game and manage the one-goal lead, which is inherently dangerous.

Dallas mounted a surge within the last twenty minutes, one that seemed to not lead to any real danger until it did in the form of a right upper corner blast by substitute Victor Ulloa. The Rapids lazily defended the edge of the box, allowing Ulloa space and time to create his wonder strike, tying the game 1-1 at 81:20.

Following the away side’s goal, a defensive lapse on the fast-break almost led to an even greater disaster as Barrios barely missed the go-ahead score.

The Rapids tried to respond and take the lead once again but it was too late. The Rapids’ best chance in the final minutes came with a soft Gashi header right into Seitz’s hands. Dallas played like a team that was happy to go home with one point.

While having played three fewer games, the tie is far from a disaster for Colorado, but with the lead, and game, in hand, the tie feels like a letdown, especially when considering Dallas’ absences. Colorado had a golden opportunity in hand and they blew it. Time will tell how costly those missed two points will be.