The one team the Colorado Rapids never want to see on the Fourth of July is the Columbus Crew. While the Rapids had won 10 of the previous 11 games on Independence Day, their only loss came against the Crew in 1999. And again on Wednesday, Columbus put a damper on the post-match fireworks, as the two teams played to a mostly uninspiring goalless tie.
The Rapids were missing five usual starters to either injury (Pablo Mastroeni, Conor Casey and Mike Petke) or national team service (Kyle Beckerman and Herculez Gomez) as they saw their winless streak extend to seven games, playing in a scoreless draw for the second consecutive game.
"We had a lot of younger players playing, which is good because it gives them a lot of opportunities," said Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo. "But at the same time it is complicated because we need results. ... You have to give credit to some of the younger guys. We demanded a lot from them and they performed."
The inexperience was concentrated in the midfield for the Rapids, as Jovan Kirovski anchored a young corps that held their own against Columbus, holding possession for long stretches.
"With Colin Clark, Daniel Wasson, and [second-half substitute] Nico Colaluca we had a very inexperienced midfield," said Clavijo. "They performed and performed well."
Wasson played a particularly solid game in defensive midfield, and sported a patriotic red, white, and blue faux hawk.
"I went to the Air Force Academy, and it is just a way of showing how much I care about America," said Wasson. "I would have been in the Air Force had I not decided to leave to play soccer. I love everything our troops do for us and they are the ones fighting for our freedom. This is a day to celebrate America's independence and they are the one's keeping it for us."
With just one goal over the last five games and only 14 goals in 16 games, finishing remains a concern for the Rapids.
"They had two central defenders who were very good in the air and we could never penetrate enough," said Clavijo. "We created a couple of chances but we need to finish them."
Still, the team will take the point, moving on and maintaining their hold on fourth place in the West.
"We have another game on Sunday so hopefully we get the three points and then we have 18 days for everyone to get healthy and to return from the national team," said Clavijo. "Right now we are scrapping. We would rather have the three points, there is no question about that, but not losing is also good."
Geoffrey Urland is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
