COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Delivering on his promise of pace and aggression, defender Kosuke Kimura gave the Colorado Rapids a 1-0 victory against FC Dallas on Saturday night with the game-winning goal in the 80th minute.
Running onto a return pass from Mehdi Ballouchy on a give-and-go, Kimura took on FCD goalkeeper Ray Burse and another defender from six yards out on the right edge of the box, blasting a high shot over both their bodies and burying it in the back of the net to break a scoreless stalemate.
It was the Rapids first victory after a three-match winless streak, and it came by virtue of some of the club's better soccer of the season.
The Rapids picked up where they left off the last time FC Dallas was in town, 2-1/2 weeks ago, dominating their guest throughout the match and all over the field, but unable to break through and make something to show for their superior play.
A tweak to their lineup saw Jacob Peterson start the match, with Pat Noonan on the bench, and though Peterson didn't make the difference on his own, he paced Colorado to a bright start, leading all players in the first half with three shots, two on target.
The Rapids showed dictated the play from the opening whistle, keeping Dallas on its back foot and doing everything they wanted with the ball short of hitting the back of the net. Their possession was a night-and-day improvement over their most recent match, a 2-1 loss to Chicago a week ago. They showcased a brilliant passing game, keeping the ball, picking off Dallas possession and winning the 50-50 balls.
The shots came hard and fast, with Terry Cooke leading the charge on a second minute blast from the top of the area that was wide left. Two minutes later, Peterson drilled a ball toward goal from 30 yards, only to see 'keeper Burse gather it in.
Both played as if they had a score to settle after a lopsided draw late in late June, when Colorado controlled the match but fell behind in the 37th minute, waiting until the 84th to finally find the equalizer.
The tension showed up on the field, with referee Yader Reyes warning players frequently in the first half and showing both Ugo Ihemelu and Nick LaBrocca yellow cards in the 13th and 17th minutes respectively. Ihemelu's misconduct earned him a suspension in the Rapids match next Saturday in D.C.
Peterson continued to show his ability to pressure opposing defenders, taking a 24th-minute pass from Conor Casey at the top of the area and sending a canon shot toward the net, where Burse dove to his right to stop it. In the waning minutes of the half, Kimura delivered a beautiful chip from the right wing that Peterson headed from the top of the box, missing wide.
Kimura's speed and his aggressive approach from the back line helped create opportunities for Colorado, most notably a 36th minute break up the middle, beating multiple Dallas defenders before over-leading a pass and setting up a goal kick.
Rapids head coach Gary Smith made three second-half substitutions, sending Noonan up front for Cooke in the 63rd minute, and bringing Greg Dalby on to fortify the defense in after Kimura's go-ahead goal. In stoppage time he took Ballouchy off the pitch, putting defender Ty Harden in his place to further solidify a strong defensive squad.
Kimura's winner was the second goal of his MLS career, the first coming earlier this season against RSL. Smith likes the offensive edge Kimura brings to his position, especially at home, and with veteran defender Cory Gibbs serving a one-game suspension, Kimura made the most of the opportunity.
Ballouchy and Dalby both saw late cautions, but the Rapids maintained their composure and protected their narrow margin of victory.
The Rapids had a late offensive threat when Conor Casey tangled with a lone defender in front of the net, and Kimura made a final impact in stoppage time, making a big tackle in front of the net and clearing the ball deep into Dallas territory, securing the Rapids victory and giving Colorado a much-needed lift as it starts the second half of the season on a high note.
The Rapids hit the road next week, traveling to take on D.C. United at RFK Stadium, while FC Dallas have a bye week before visiting Real Salt Lake on July 24.
Owen Perkins is a contributor to MLSnet.com
