What started as a slow friendly between the Colorado Rapids and Mexican Primera Division side Tigres turned into a heated competition in the second half, with an scoreless game ultimately decided in a 7-6 penalty kick shootout. Colorado's Colin Clark drilled the game-winner into the upper left corner past outstretched Tigres 'keeper Oscar Perez to give the Rapids the victory.
With the 2008 Tecate Cub trophy on the line, the Rapids and Tigres lined up for the dramatic penalty kick tiebreaker. Blas Perez of Tigres and Colorado's Terry Cooke converted the first, then after a Tigres miss, Mehdi Ballouchy gave the Rapids an advantage. But with the Rapids' fourth attempt, Facundo Erpen missed, and the score was level again at 3-3. Mario Ruiz (Tigres) and Ugo Ihemelu then both converted, but after Manuel Viniegra missed for Tigres, Colorado's John DiRaimondo couldn't put his shot away.
Antonio Sancho put the Tigres back on the cusp of winning the shootout, but Jose Burciaga fooled Tigres 'keeper Oscar Perez, who dove to his left as the shot eased into the upper right corner. Hugo Sanchez missed high, putting the game in the hands of Clark, who delivered the game winner in the upper left corner.
Neither team seemed especially hungry in the early going, as each struggled to build momentum and impose their sense of rhythm on the game. Tigres was more effective at penetrating into the area, putting some pressure on goalkeeper Preston Burpo, who stopped three shots on goal in the first 20 minutes and continued to pull in loose balls in front of the goal throughout the first half.
Colorado played an aggressive game, but with a lineup dominated by reserves who have had irregular playing time this season, the chemistry and communication was not visible on the field. The Rapids were not linking passes consistently, making for abbreviated possessions and too much time spent on the chase.
Eight of Colorado's 11 starters had started in five or fewer MLS games this season, with three of them yet to earn a start in league competition. Wednesday's friendly gave a host of Rapids players on the bubble the opportunity to shine and to earn increased playing time, but there were few standouts as Colorado struggled to build an attack.
Mike Petke and Nico Colaluca both got an opportunity to play at game speed after not seeing any MLS action so far this season, with Petke entering the game at the half as a substitute for Stephen Keel and Colaluca playing until Clark replaced him in the 67th minute.
Colorado finally began to control the pace late in the second half, and with the 74th-minute substitutions of fresh-legged Tom McManus for Omar Cummings and Terry Cooke for Jacob Peterson, the Rapids heightened the pressure on the Tigres goal.
Under the special rules for the international friendly, teams could make unlimited substitutions, and the tie score at the end of regulation play was resolved by moving directly to penalty kicks. The Rapids turned over all but two of their starting 11, while the Tigres were much more conservative in using their bench.
Owen Perkins is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
