The Colorado Rapids quickly go 2-0 up at home and everyone in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Park press box jokes that Claudio Lopez can take off his cleats, fix himself an espresso and take out a copy of La Nacion.
Apart from some appearances in US Open Cup games, the veteran Argentine playmaker has only been used in his debut season for the Rapids when Colorado is chasing the game and the team needs a spark of creative brilliance.
With the recent string of convincing victories at home, however, Lopez hasn’t seen much game time at all.
Wednesday night, though, was different. The World Cup veteran got almost as many minutes in the 4-1 victory over the Philadelphia Union as he has done in any other MLS league game all season.
[inline_node:310771]When he was called into action in the 70th minute, the Rapids were 3-0 up and the game looked safe.
Rapids head coach Gary Smith decided to bring on Lopez to calm possession down. He needed a cool, experienced head to see out those final minutes and make sure nothing went untoward. Philadelphia, despite being down, were enjoying more possession than perhaps they had done all game.
“I thought his choices were great, his passing was excellent and he looked very bright out there,” Smith told MLSsoccer.com after the Union game. “I needed his technique and experience.”
As well as the calmness and experience, Lopez also showed some examples of his class in his Wednesday night cameo. One delightful ball on a plate with the outside of his left foot set up Brian Mullan for a cross, and he also made room out of nothing to let loose a shot from outside the penalty area on the Union goal.
For Lopez, it was refreshing to get some solid playing time under his belt.
“The game was close before I went in,” he told MLSsoccer.com after the game. “We tried to keep the ball and play a little more. I was happy to enjoy the game with the guys, and that I had a little more time on the field. That’s what I am looking for and working towards.”
With such an accomplished performance under his belt, the 36-year-old veteran may look forward to some more playing time as the season enters its last crucial stages and calm heads with just a twist of brilliance may be needed.
The Rapids take on D.C. United on Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park at 9 p.m. ET.
