RSS
Rapids nip Chivas 1-0 on Amarikwa strike
Quincy Amarikwa tallied in the first half and the Rapids withstood waves of second half attacks to snatch a 1-0 road victory against Chivas USA on Saturday night at the Home Depot Center.
With the win, the Rapids improved to 2-0-0 for the first time in team history. And, while it’s too early to worry about the bulk of the season, it allowed Colorado to keep pace with Real Salt Lake, which pasted the LA Galaxy 4-0.
But the night belonged to the speedy Amarikwa. In the 32nd minute, Amarikwa turned his pace and dogged play into a goal. Given the start in place of Omar Cummings, who was off toiling for Jamaica, the sub made the most of his opportunity. He was the most active player on the pitch in the first half.
On the goal, Jamie Smith sent the ball forward from the left wing and Amarikwa raced in alone. Goalkeeper Zach Thornton slid, and Amarikwa gently lifted the ball over the tackle and patiently fired a right foot shot into the empty net. It was the mirror play from an earlier link on the right side between Brian Mullan and Amarikwa that was closed down by the defense. There was no mistake the second time.
The goal was all the Rapids would need, but the team also needed some stellar defending in the second half. After an unsteady opening five minutes, Chivas started to take control of the game. As Pablo Mastroeni and Anthony Wallace each spent time on the turf with injuries.
Working through Justin Braun for most of the night, Chivas repeatedly asked the question, but could not find the equalizer. On almost every occasion, the Rapids remained organized in central defense and made sure that chances stayed wide.
Long time: Saturday night was the first time since Oct. 12, 2008, that neither Conor Casey nor Cummings wasn’t starting for the Rapids. It was a span of 63 games. Casey came on in the 79th minute to spell Caleb Folan, who also got his first start of the season and made his first appearance in the MLS.
Old times: One year ago on March 26, the Rapids opened the season on the road with a 1-0 win over Chivas as Cummings got the goal.
Next: The Rapids return home to face D.C. United at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Sunday, April 3.
I am from Colorado so I am all about the Rapids. They did well last season and I am looking forward and rooting them on in this season!
Leave your response!