The Colorado Rapids fought back to pull level with the Kansas City Wizards, only to lose on a Scott Sealy goal in the 87th minute. But it was what put them in the hole to begin, from where they needed fight back from two goals down, that left down for the day.
"I thought that set pieces was the difference today," said Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo. "I felt that we played well enough to get a point out of it, no question about it."
Jimmy Conrad scored two goals with a three-minute span off headers, one from a free kick, one from a corner kick, to put the Wizards ahead after a scoreless first half.
"It's a pretty big letdown to start off," said forward Colin Clark. "The biggest letdown was the third goal that cost us the point."
You hear of hard-fought victories all the time. This was definitely a hard-fought loss with plenty of positives for the Rapids.
"We had a lot of youth inside," Clark said. "I think that the players that we had inside worked their butts off. They worked hard for each other and I think that's an advantage."
Rapids head coach Fernando Clavijo made no changes to the team that defeated the LA Galaxy 4-0 last weekend, one that he said included seven "rookies."
"We have an outstanding roster," Clavijo said. "I expect them (the youth) to do the same or better as anyone else."
Clavijo has turned to the younger players in part because of injuries to forward Conor Casey, defender Mike Petke, and defender Ugo Ihemelu. Three other players are banged up.
"I think they have done well," Clavijo said. "We play the younger players, today we feel that the players are in better shape and they have done well."
Offseason acquisitions defender Jose Burciaga, Jr. and Christian Gomez have been catalysts for the Rapids. Clavijo said that Gomez and Burciaga have helped the Rapids "linger" in games, meaning that the Rapids can keep it close for 90 minutes. That is something previous Rapids teams have had trouble with in the past.
"They are savvy veterans; they know this league very well, "said Clavijo.
Burciaga scored on his return to Kansas City, against the team where he played seven years before being dealt to Colorado in the offseason. His goal answered Conrad's second within three minutes, then the Rapids hit the post a couple of times before John DiRaimondo's first professional goal pulled the Rapids level midway through the second half.
"It's exciting to know how good of a team we are," Burciaga, Jr. said. "I think everyone knows that."
What the Rapids do know is that they were able to linger with the Wizards for 90-plus minutes. And they came within inches of quite possibly having a different result.
Thomas Foote is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
