One game in 100 words (or less): The Colorado Rapids would have been ecstatic to get three points against NYCFC, but that was just not the case here. Pablo Mastroeni’s side saw their scoring chances fail to find the back of the net, which has been the story of the Rapids to begin this season. New York did not look like the dominant opponent many expected to cruise to victory at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Colorado kept possession less than NYCFC did, but it was their ability to get shots on goal, and a late red card to Shay Facey, that definitely could’ve produced the victory for the Western Conference squad.
Three moments that mattered
8’ — Torres muscling in box for near miss — Dominique Badji’s cross fed Gabriel Torres on the left side of the box, and the forward managed a nice touch forward and dodged around NYCFC midfielder Sebastian Velasquez. The 26-year-old then fired a quick right-footer at the near post that forced an alert save from NY goalkeeper Josh Saunders. This was a surprising opportunity that could have changed the outcome of the game.
53’ — Villa nearly hits wonderful finish — David Villa was the main attacker for the Etihad-sponsored club, even though the Rapids did well enough to stave off the former FC Barcelona star. In this instance, though, Villa flew forward to track an nicely weighted lobbed pass from Adam Nemec, and never breaking his stride, Villa rapidly chopped his first touch on net, compelling netminder Clint Irwin to dive and stretch vigorously to his left.
63’ — Torres blast from close-range tipped away — Torres was fairly active in this match, and he was faced with arguably the best opportunity of the game. Carlos Alvarez squeezed a through ball to Torres making a run down the middle, and the Panama international broke into the penalty area and rocketed a high shot that Saunders alertly tipped over the net. A lower shot may have beaten the stout goalie, though it was difficult to do so on the closely defended run.
Lineups
Colorado: Clint Irwin; Michael Harrington, Shane O’Neill, Axel Sjoberg, Marc Burch; Sam Cronin, Lucas Pittinari, Vicente Sanchez (Marcelo Savras 78'), Dillon Powers (Juan Ramirez 73'), Gabriel Torres; Dominique Badji (Carlos Alvarez 59')
New York: Josh Saunders; Shay Facey, Jason Hernandez, Chris Wingert, Jeb Brovsky; Sebastien Velasquez (Javier Calle 71'), Mix Diskerud (Kwame Watson-Siriboe 85'), Andrew Jacobson, Ned Grabavoy; David Villa, Adam Nemec (Khiry Shelton 61')