Rapids Advance To Eastern Conference Final by Downing Crew on PK’s
The Rapids are into the Eastern Conference Final, and will have the advantage of home turf at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. In a win that typifies the Rapids gutsy season, the Rapids secured the tie on aggregate goals and then finished off the Crew on penalty kicks.
The Crew completely dominated the opening stretch and got a much deserved goal by Gaven in the 22′ off a Schelotto pass (more on that later).
The Rapids were fortunate to only be down 1-0, with a shot off the post (4′), another just past the far post (6′), Robbie Roger…you guessed it…just wide of the post (7′), a great save by Pickens (19′), and a diving clearance off the line by Wynne as the ball was headed into the open net (21′).
From then on the balance of the control was held by the Rapids, with two good chances within 6 minutes after the goal: a Casey header, and a Larentowicz rocket off the post from a set piece.
The Rapids continued to press and create chances in the second half, but that didn’t stop Robbie Rogers from nicking a goal against the run of play in the 70′. From then on the Rapids threw everything they had at the Crew, and got their goal in the 84′. It was a classic move down the right by Cummings, a perfect little pass into the 6 yard box, and a little poke from Casey brought Colorado level at 2-2 aggregate (2-1 in this game).
The Crew looked absolutely gassed, but the Rapids couldn’t put one through in overtime. That sent the game to penalty kicks, and my blood pressure up a few notches. Against Andy Gruenebaum, the Crew keeper making only his 2nd start of the season, you had to feel we had the advantage. Casey, Kandji, Larentowicz, Lopez, and Baudet all buried their PK’s. In the end it wasn’t the Crew’s keeper, but defender Brian Carroll who kicked it into Pennsylvania.
Schelotto caused all sorts of problems for the Rapids, as he does for so many teams. As we head into the match versus Columbus, we won’t face a playmaker of his quality, but we will be facing Wondolowski who is absolutely on fire. The Rapids will need to stay solid across the back, which I fully expect they will.
Teams are on to Cummings brilliance. Though no team in the league can contain him for 90′, it emphasizes the importance of Smith and Mastroeni creating through the middle of the field. Mullan was solid, though its unlikely he’ll play the full 90. He was substituted today for Kandji, but I’d rather see Wells Thompson. Kandji still does not seem to have the confidence he needs as a striker to make decisive moves, though his size does give opponents pause.
Coach Smith has starting XI set, they are playing as a unit, and this club peaking at the right time. Rapids fans cannot help but be excited to take on San Jose at home, this Saturday at 7:30pm. Go Rapids!
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