Results in soccer sometimes simply don’t reflect the true nature of a game. Colorado head coach Gary Smith argued Saturday that the Rapids’ 3-1 loss to the New York Red Bulls was a prime example.
“The most disappointing aspect of the game was that we showed tremendous character to get right back in it and the referee has let us down,” Smith told MLSsoccer.com after the game. “We are very disappointed the score did not reflect the competition we gave New York on the day.”
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Smith’s two biggest arguments came on no-calls in the second half for the Rapids, who used the ninth goal of the season from Omar Cummings early in the second half to cut into a 2-0 New York lead.
Smith argued that Cummings should have drawn a foul on New York defender Tim Ream while blazing down the sideline soon in the minutes following his goal, and that New York’s crucial insurance tally from Dane Richards resulted after a free kick wasn’t given for a foul Smith says was committed on Kosuke Kimura.
Despite the setbacks, Smith knows his team may have lost the battle, but they are still very much in the war. He said he was delighted with the effort all his players showed in the loss, and singled out Cummings and left back Anthony Wallace as two of his better players on the night.
“Omar was a threat all game,” he said. “He’s so exciting and he also created the moment for what should have been an equalizing goal. And Anthony was splendid tonight.”
The Rapids have three home games in the next four, sandwiched around a difficult away trip to Salt Lake. At 9-7-7 with 34 points following the New York loss, Colorado are optimistic about a playoff berth and the potential to have another go at New York if they end up in the postseason together.
“For all of us hoping to compete in the playoffs, we know we have done a good job against them today,” he said. “It’s a very real possibility we could play against them in that.”
The Rapids return home to play New England next Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
