COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Caleb Folan was the star of the show in the Colorado Rapids’ 4-1 victory over visiting D.C. United on Sunday, but it was midfielder Jamie Smith’s opportunistic header that was the key to the Rapids’ latest win.
DC had just equalized Folan’s first half goal in the 70th minute when, exactly a minute later, the diminutive but essential Scotsman latched onto an Anthony Wallace long-range pass to head the ball over Pat Onstad in the DC goal.
Momentum immediately shifted back to the Rapids, who proceeded to comfortably cruise through the final 20 minutes with a second goal from Folan in the 81st minute and an Omar Cummings header in stoppage time.
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“There was a shift in the game just before DC scored and I felt they had us on the rack at one point,” Rapids head coach Gary Smith said. “To strike back so quickly, that was real kick in the teeth for them and, for me, the most important moment of the game.”
Jamie Smith, who already has two goals in just three games in 2011, joked it was only the second time he had ever scored with a header, and the first was in training. And the goal somewhat made up for what he saw as his own defensive mistake when Santino Quaranta volleyed in DC’s equalizer.
“I was annoyed with myself – I have to defend it better,” he told MLSsoccer.com. “It was important we scored quickly. The longer it goes on without the goal, the more pressure we find ourselves under.”
[inline_node:332805]The Rapids, however, failed to build on Folan’s goal in the 38th minute to make the game safe. The former Hull City striker took a perfectly weighted Jeff Larentowicz pass, held the ball up momentarily and proceeded to skirt the DC defense before placing a left-footed shoot past Onstad to the far post.
Folan’s second goal in the 81st minute effectively sealed the win. A cross from second half substitute Sanna Nyassi found the big striker ‘s head and he guided the ball into the right hand corner from the middle of the penalty area.
“He is a big, strong and athletic lad and incredibly hard working,” Gary Smith said. “I am really pleased for him.”
The sour weather froze more than a few fans out of the stadium Sunday, but the Irish international Folan was very grateful for the support he received.
“I’ve played in front of bigger crowds, but the atmosphere today was better than some of those,” Folan said after the game. “Credit to everyone that came. They made a lot of noise and drove us on as well.”
Folan said he was particularly happy with the ovation he received when he was substituted late in the game.
“It’s always nice to come out and hear that and I’m very thankful,’ he said. “That brought a smile to my face.”
