MLS Colorado Rapids

Dallas Rallies to Salvage 2-2 Tie with Rapids

Published on July 29, 2002 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Denver, CO - A stoppage time goal by Dallas defender Steve Morrow helped the Burn salvage a 2-2 draw against the Colorado Rapids on Saturday night at INVESCO Field. The two clubs erupted to score four second half goals following a listless first half that featured only two shots on goal by the visiting Burn, which earned its eighth draw of the season.

The teams engaged in a patient first half that saw virtually equally amounts of possession by both sides but few quality scoring chances. However, the halftime intermission yielded way to an energized second half from both clubs. Perhaps previewing the numerous scoring chances to follow, Colorado's Chris Henderson fired inches wide in the 49th minute, while the Burn's Jason Kreis unleashed a 22-yard rocket that sailed just high of the Colorado net just two minutes later.

It was an outstanding play from Burn defender Paul Broome that gave Dallas a 1-0 lead in the 53rd minute. Pushing forward from his position on the left side of the Dallas backline, Broome intercepted a thrown distribution pass from Rapids goalkeeper David Kramer and darted into the left side of the Rapids penalty area. With Colorado's attention focused completely on his advance, Broome slotted the ball centrally to unmarked forward Ronald Cerritos who easily tucked the ball home. The goal seemed to energize the Rapids who surprisingly seized the momentum after surrendering the Cerritos goal. In the 62nd minute their efforts paid dividends when a quick combination between Carlos Valderrama and Henderson left first half substitution Chris Carrieri with a tap in from six-yards out. Positioned at the edge of the penalty box, Valderrama nodded a short clearing header from defender Tenywa Bonseu back into the box where Henderson popped the ball over Morrow to set the table for Carrieri's easy finish.

Continuing to pressure the Burn defense, Colorado notched the go-ahead goal on a 76th minute penalty kick from Mark Chung. The veteran midfielder was hauled down by the Burn's Chad Deering deep in the 18-yard box and confidently rifled the ensuing penalty kick high into the back of the net.

As referee Brian Hall prepared to blow the final whistle in stoppage time it was Dallas that netted a shocking equalizer. A curling ball into the box by the Burn's Antonio Martinez was desperately cleared by a sliding Jeff Stewart. The rookie's effort backfired however when it fell right to the foot of Morrow, who drilled a 20-yard shot past Kramer for the equalizer.

Dallas narrowly missed on two golden opportunities in the extra session, when a brilliant individual effort from Martinez was stuffed by Kramer in the 94th minute and 78th minute substitution Edward Johnson blasted a shot of the cross bar in the opening moments of the second overtime.

Colorado (9-9-3, 30 pts) will remain idle through MLS All-Star break, returning to action on Saturday, August 10 when they host the Columbus Crew at 7:00 p.m. MT. Dallas (8-4-8, 31 pts) will return home to the Cotton Bowl for a match with the Kansas City Wizards this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. MT.

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Major League Soccer Stories from July 29, 2002


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