The Colorado Rapids dealt D.C. United their first loss of the season Saturday, utilizing strong wing play and great goalkeeping to snatch away a 2-1 victory at Invesco Field.
"We know how dangerous D.C. is," said Rapids coach Francisco Clavijo. "They play well as a team and like to possess the ball and move the ball well ... we tried to be more positive with the ball today and take care of the ball better and it worked.
"In the second half we came out and said let's dictate how we play the game and when they play three in the back it opened up space for us to run wide."
Midfielder Terry Cooke, whose assist on the game-winning goal places him in a tie for the MLS lead with four, agreed that it was the Rapids' efforts along the flanks that made the difference.
"As the game went on, the flanks were seeing more of the ball, and that worked well for us today," said Cooke. "To win, I think we need to get the ball wide."
Clavijo singled out forward Nicolas Hernandez for particular praise, whose game winner was his first MLS career goal.
"Nico was brought in to really supply the goals, but he does so many other things that people don't see," said Clavijo. "He puts in a lot of effort defensively and moves very well off of the ball and sometimes because of circumstances he chases the ball too much, but today he was able to contribute both on the wing and in front of the goal."
The Rapids played in their green alternate third jerseys. It was the first time since they switched colors in 2003 that they had worn their original colors, but Clavijo does not think that the green jerseys will become a team talisman.
"I am very superstitious," said Clavijo. "But I think it was the team effort more than the green jerseys today."
Geoffrey Urland is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
