MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Fall to Metros at Home

Published on May 18, 2003 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


DENVER, Sat. May 17 – The Colorado Rapids dropped a 2-0 decision to the MetroStars today at INVESCO Field at Mile High. MetroStars goalkeeper Tim Howard recorded his third shutout of the season in the process and the 15th of his career.

The Rapids played inspired soccer in the first half and came close to scoring on several occasions, including a shot by midfielder Chris Carrieri in the 13th minute which was just high of the crossbar. Colorado also struck the crossbar in the 28th minute on a solo effort by forward Zizi Roberts, who spun in the box and lofted a shot which hit the woodwork and bounced on the goal line before being cleared away. The Rapids out-shot the MetroStars 9-5 in the first half with a 5-1 advantage in shots on goal.

The MetroStars were forced into defending for most of the first half and lost central midfielder Richie Williams due to injury (tendon strain in left big toe) in the 28th minute. Rookie Tim Regan took his place at defensive midfield while MetroStars playmaker Amado Guevara was forced to fend off several physical challenges designed to foil his creative runs.

The MetroStars, who were increasingly dangerous toward the end of the first half, would take the lead just six minutes after the break on a goal by striker Clint Mathis. The U.S. National Team forward sent a low diagonal shot from the top of the box through the legs of defender Robin Fraser and into the back of the net inside the left post. It was Mathis' third goal of the season.

The Rapids, who were playing without suspended Pablo Mastroeni, saw Zizi Roberts fall to injury in the 55th minute. Rookie Casey Schmidt replaced the Liberian striker, and had the best opportunities for the Rapids in the second half: a 56th minute strike which hit the left side netting and a 59th minute header that struck the right post.

A stunned Rapids squad would concede a second goal moments later in the 60th minute as MetroStars forward Mike Magee sent home a rebound off a Guevara shot which was parried away by Rapids goalkeeper Scott Garlick. It was Magee's second tally of the 2003 campaign.

With nine minutes remaining in the match, MetroStars defender Joey Digiamarino, who was making his first appearance against Colorado since leaving the club after the 2000 season, received a second yellow card for a foul on Chris Henderson. The Rapids, who had brought on forward John Spencer and midfielder Alberto Rizo in the second half for more attacking power, were unable to capitalize on the one-man advantage.

The Rapids seek their first win of the season this Sunday, May 25 at 6:30pm MT as they travel to Chicago to play against the Fire, who entered this weekend as one of only two undefeated teams in MLS.

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Major League Soccer Stories from May 18, 2003


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