MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Drop 2-0 Decision to the Columbus Crew on the Road

Published on May 11, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COLUMBUS, OH (Sat. May 10)-The Colorado Rapids lost their third game of the season by a score of 2-0 to the Columbus Crew on Saturday night at Columbus Crew Stadium. The Crew win was their first over the Rapids in four years. Colorado created several chances in the opening 25 minutes,including a shot saved by Crew goalkeeper Jon Busch after Rapids forward Zizi Roberts beat the offside trap. Rapids midfielder Chris Henderson combined well with Roberts, barely missing a few connections inside the Columbus box. Rapids midfielder Mark Chung and Henderson were particularly dominant in the midfield and were the key figures in Colorado's possession game.

The opening goal came against the run of play when Rapids captain Robin Fraser brought down Crew striker Jeff Cunningham in the box. Fraser, who had suffered a head injury earlier in the match that required eight stiches, challenged Cunningham as he accelerated inside the penalty area. Cunningham took the penalty shot, slotting the ball to the left side of Rapids 'keeper Scott Vallow.

The goal changed the flow of the game as the Crew began to put together more chances. Behind Cunningham, McBride, and midfielder Kyle Martino, Columbus put together several goalmouth chances, including a Martino shot that rang off the top of the post.

The Crew went up 2-0 before the half with a second goalin the 43rd minute. McBride collected the ball in the Colorado half and was left free to make a run into the Rapids' box, cutting to the left before putting a left-footed shot into the low right corner past Vallow.

The second half started much like the first, with Colorado beginning their attack from midfield. Rapids midfielder Pablo Mastroeni, who played last Thursday night for the U.S. in an exhibition against Mexico, combined well with Roberts, holding up defenders and winning possession of the ball.

Despite the work rate, Head Coach Tim Hankinson was forced to bring on fresh legs with Casey Schmidt coming on for Roberts in the 64th minute. Kyle Beckerman and Alex Blake also saw minutes towards the end of the game.

The Colorado offense failed to put together any creative opportunities in front of goal in the second half. The frustration showed as the game began to get physical with aggressive challenges by both teams. Columbus was able to comfortably manage the two-goal lead for the duration of the second half.

Colorado heads back home to Denver to host the MetroStars on Saturday, May 17 (2:00PM MT, ESPN2) at INVESCO Field at Mile High.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 11, 2003


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