FRISCO, Tex. – For the Colorado Rapids, the difference between playing on in the 2016 U.S. Open Cup and their tournament run ending was a couple of unconventional moments.
The scoreboard read 2-1 in favor of FC Dallas Wednesday night at Toyota Stadium after the game went to 30 minutes of extra time.
“I think, in life, there's a few things you can control, especially in football,” Rapids’ coach Pablo Mastroeni said after the game. “It's the effort you put forth and the application of the work. I think tonight we did just that. The effort was fantastic, the application of work was fantastic, and on any given day, we win that game.”
On this given day, the effort fell short. It didn't begin that way, however.
Mastroeni said his team’s first-half mentality, including Dominique Badji’s 38th minute goal, spoke volumes.
“I think going out early and scoring a fantastic goal says a lot about the mentality of the group to come in here and try to win that game,” Mastroeni said. “It's something that we really wanted to make a good push for.”
But it started to fall apart on the equalizer, as speedy FCD winger Fabian Castillo blazed up the right sideline and baited Rapids teammates Micheal Azira and Mekeil Williams into colliding with each other, allowing him and fellow midfielder Mauro Diaz to challenge Zac MacMath and tap the ball into net.
On the go-ahead goal in extra time, Maxi Urruti managed to find the back of the net after the ball took an inward bounce off the front of the left post, leaving the Rapids understandably puzzled.
“A couple bad turnovers, a couple lapses, and that cost us a couple goals,” said Marlon Hairston.
Maybe more disappointing for the Rapids than their Open Cup dreams dashed is an injury picked up in the game. Dillon Serna was tackled from behind early in the first half and was immediately taken out of the game for Hairston. He was on crutches in the locker room afterward, with Mastroeni saying it looked “pretty serious,” as he was not putting any weight on his right foot.
As far as not reaching what the team called a “bucket list” item for them, the Rapids still sit atop MLS and can now focus on winning what could be another trophy come the end of the season.
“It's definitely going to leave a sour taste in our mouths,” Badji said. “But we're looking forward to getting back on track in MLS and continue winning."
