MLS Colorado Rapids

Shock Upset as Rapids Fall 2-0 to LA in Conference Championship

Published on November 8, 2005 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


DENVER, CO (November 5, 2005)-The Colorado Rapids fell one game short of reaching the 2005 MLS Cup tonight, dropping a 2-0 decision to the #4-seeded Los Angeles Galaxy at INVESCO field at Mile High. The loss marked the first time the Rapids had lost to LA in their home stadium in over 3 years, the last occassion being a 1-0 loss on October 9 of 2002. It was also the first time since April 17 of 2004 that the Rapids allowed the Galaxy to score a goal in Invesco Field.

(To view video highlights from this match, CLICK HERE).

The Rapids' first opportunity came early in the fourth minute, when a free kick from Eric Denton was just barely tipped over the crossbar by Galaxy goalie Kevin Hartman.

Terry Cooke created another near opportunity for the Black in Blue when he curved a free kick in to the near side post, almost slipping it into the net. However, Hartman kept his line and knuckled the curving ball just outside the goalpost, saving the Galaxy for a second time in the early going.

Joe Cannon was on his toes for Los Angeles' retaliation in the 18th minute. LA's Landon Donovan drove the ball low and tight to the far post, but a diving Cannon made the save to keep the game scoreless.

Ten minutes later the Galaxy drew first blood when midfielder Cobi Jones crossed a ball to the near post where he found teammate Landon Donovan. The U.S. National team player one-timed the cross and directed his left-footed shot past Cannon in the 28th minute.

The 32nd minute brought the Rapids faithful to their feet. A corner kick from the boot of Cooke and then a one-touch by Jean Philippe Peguero put the ball in the back of Galaxy's net, but it was called back by referee Brian Hall. Cooke had to re-take the corner which came to nothing as the visitors cleared the ball out of danger.

Rapids fans lept to their feet once again in the 38th minute. Jean Philippe Peguero was chasing a ball into the Galaxy's box when Chris Albright reached out and shoved him down, only to hear no whistle from the man in charge.

The Rapids suffered yet another foul in the 71st minute, as Haitian forward Fabrice Noel was closing in on goal with an apparent one-on-one with the keeper. A slide tackle from behind from Los Angeles defender Tyrone Marshall sent Noel flying face- first, yet the red-cardable offense went overlooked, and Marshall escaped with only a yellow card.

Los Angeles nailed the Rapids' coffin shut in the 89th minute when all-time MLS playoff goalscoring leader Landon Donovan fought off three of the Rapids defenders to create a one-on-one situation with Cannon. In a split second Donovan netted yet his second goal of the game, making it a 2-0.

In the final minutes of injury time the Rapids received their last opportunity, as a free kick from Cooke curved into the box and slammed into the crossbar, but carommed off and out of danger, saving the shutout for the Galaxy and moving them into MLS Cup 2005 in Frisco, Texas.

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Major League Soccer Stories from November 8, 2005


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