MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids, Fire Play to 0-0 Draw

Published on June 5, 2014 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - They certainly didn't look like prize fighters, but the backup-riddled lineups of the Chicago Fire and the Colorado Rapids appeared to size each other up as such on a gloomy Wednesday night in Colorado.

With most of the starters on the bench, however, a knockout punch was not forthcoming.

Each team chose to rest a number of starters in the second to last game before the World Cup break and nobody could provide the golden foot in a 0-0 draw at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

After a rather anemic offensive performance in the first half from both sides, the Fire sent back in starterLovel Palmerat the beginning of the second half and the Rapids put in regularsDeshorn Brown,Dillon PowersandDillon Sernamidway through the latter half - but it was too late.

Brown, who scored two goals in a 3-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on Sunday, and Powers, who had two assists at the weekend, had a couple of chances in the waning minutes but Chicago keeper Sean Johnsonmade enough stops to give the Fire their second straight draw - and eighth of the season.

Serna also had a chance in the final seconds, but was called offside as he hit the crossbar.

The Rapids, who won their past two games with a combined seven goals, were the better offensive team on Wednesday, but they probably did not have the best one on the night.

In the 76th minute, Fire strikerJuan Luis Anangonoran down a long-kicked bouncing ball into the Rapids' box, but his header looped over backup keeperJohn Bernerat the top of the area and rolled just left of the net. The Ecuadoran DP stood in disbelief after the chance, knowing opportunities were few and far apart in this game.

Earlier, Johnson robbed Rapids midfielderCharles Eloundouin the 37th minute, when the 25-year-old laid out to his left to push aside the first half's only shot. Eloundou, one of eight changes to the Colorado starting lineup, easily collected a deflection off of Steven Kinney, before his right-footed blast was pushed just wide.

Eloundou set up the Rapids' first good chance as well, with a great ball toJohn Neeskenson the right flank in the 14th minute, but Neeskens paused for just a moment and hit the right side of the net.

Danny MwangaandNick LaBroccaalso missed point-blank shots in the first half for Colorado to round out the list of missed opportunities Wednesday night.

Saturday, the Rapids will travel to FC Dallas in their final MLS game before the World Cup.

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