With their season on the line, the Colorado Rapids threw everything they had at Real Salt Lake. But it wasn't quite enough, and while pressing during the final minutes, the Rapids got caught on a counterattack and gave up a breakaway goal.
The goal gave Real Salt Lake a 1-0 victory and the Rocky Mountain Cup, awarded to the victor of the season series between the clubs. But most disheartening, it ended the Rapids' season as they were eliminated from playoff contention.
Colorado needed a victory as well as certain results to go their way around the league to slide into the last playoff spot. The need for a full three points was clear in the Rapids' offensive-minded play.
"The three points were the only thing we were looking for tonight. We didn't come here for a tie," said Rapids head coach Fernando Clavijo.
In the 87th minute, RSL defender Andy Williams sent Robbie Findley a long pass downfield, beating all of the Colorado defenders that had been pressing forward. Findley was one-on-one with the 'keeper and put the match away.
"We just got caught on a counterattack," said Clavijo.
The Rapids had a number of bad breaks on the night. They were forced to use two substitutions in the first half because of injuries to Terry Cooke and Ugo Ihemelu, limiting their options later in the game.
"It changed the whole game right from the start," said Clavijo. "We couldn't substitute like we wanted to."
In addition to injury problems, just as the second half began, a cold front swept through Dick's Sporting Goods Park, bringing gusty, swirling winds and a precipitous drop in temperature. The wind was in the face of the Rapids and made a big impact on their ability to push forward with accuracy.
"Every time we passed, the ball would go 20 yards and then straight up in the air," said captain Pablo Mastroeni.
"It helped [Real Salt Lake] because they were sitting and waiting for us. They knew we were going to send players forward and they could counter with [the wind]," said Clavijo.
Colin Clark had a number of opportunities, including a fantastic chance in the 32nd minute. Jovan Kirovski played a perfect through-ball that Clark picked up after splitting the defense on a diagonal run. RSL 'keeper Nick Rimando was caught out of position, giving the young midfielder an open net -- but Clark's shot hit the post and bounced out of play. It would be the best chance Colorado had all night.
"I'm disappointed and frustrated," said Clark. "I thought we were the better team in the first half, we just didn't put the ball in the net."
Said defender Kosuke Kimura: "If we had put that one in, it would have changed the whole game. It would have opened things up and made things easier mentally."
Although Real Salt Lake and the Rapids finished with an equal number of shots, Colorado produced more offensive chances and seemed to have the upper hand in the match.
"Soccer is a cruel game," said captain Pablo Mastroeni. "I think we had a good opportunity 30 minutes in to put it away and we didn't. But that's the game of soccer -- it gives you one or two good chances and if you don't take advantage you are punished by it.
"I think about what I need to do personally to help this team achieve higher goals next year. Careers go by fast. You have to take the moment while it's there, and tonight was our chance and it slipped by."
Although disappointed with their season ending, the Rapids are already looking forward to next year.
"This is a sport where there are no breaks," said Mastroeni. "Even in the offseason you are working towards improving as a player. Especially as an older player it's something you take more seriously. As an older player it's about staying fit, getting mentally stronger, and working on the little things to make your game better. It's going to be a long offseason, but something will hopefully improve our chances of winning next year."
Colin Walsh is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
