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Donovan continues reign over Rapids
Landon Donovan makes the most of his play against the Rapids, and he did it again on Friday night, delivering the lone goal in the LA Galaxy’s home win over Colorado.
This time, the goal came in the 36th minute as Donovan was unmarked when receiving a pass from Sean Franklin. Unlike his miss against Costa Rico on the same field in a USA friendly a week early, Donovan was clinical. He smashed the ball home, leaving ‘keeper Matt Pickens no chance for a save.
Colorado, which managed only two shots in the first half, nearly got back into the game in the 56th minute. Midfielder Wells Thompson knocked in a rebound passed a sprawling Donovan Ricketts. However, Thompson’s goal was waived off after the assistant referee flagged Thompson for offsides.
Thompson’s no-goal was as close as it would come for the Rapids. The team managed little offense, but got a sterling match from Pickens that allowed Colorado to hold out hope. In the end, the squad was left holding little else.
Iron Man Missing: For the first time since Aug. 6, 2009, Drew Moor wasn’t on the field for the Rapids. Moor’s streak of 6,210 consecutive minutes — a league record for a field player — came to an end over yellow card accumulation.
Instead of Moor, Tyrone Marshall was paired with Marvell Wynne in central defense. Both men spent much of the game under siege.
Quick Turnaround: There is little time for sulking. Colorado returns to action on Tuesday at home against Santos Laguna in CONCACAF Champions League play. The Rapids are 1-0-1 in the group stage with a home win against Metapan and a road draw at Real Espana.
On Tuesday, the Rapids face the very real possibility of feeling like it’s another road game. The green and white kits of the Mexican power are likely to overwhelm the Rapids burgundy.
Playoff Position: With the win, LA, 15-3-10, 55 points, became the first MLS squad to clinch a playoff spot. The Rapids, 10-8-11, 41 points, held on to the fifth playoff position. With five games remaining, the Rapids are watching the chance for one of the three first-round byes from the Western Conference rapidly fade.
Next Up: After the CCL match on Tuesday, the Rapids travel to Toronto for a Sept. 17 match at BMO Field. The Rapids don’t host a home MLS match again until San Jose comes to town on Sept. 24. Colorado also gets a home date with Real Espana in CCL play on Sept. 21.
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