A goal just after halftime from Dominique Badji halted the Colorado Rapids’ winless streak as they defeated FC Dallas 1-0 at Toyota Stadium on Saturday night, destroying the league leaders’ unbeaten home record in the process.
It was not the prettiest game of soccer you will ever see, but at this stage of the season, and on the run the Rapids had been on, the result is all that matters.
FC Dallas had not lost at home since August 15, 2015, and boasted a 15-0-4 record since then. That record was left in tatters in Texas, as the Rapids grabbed their first win in five games, and hurled themselves back into Supporters’ Shield contention.
Dallas certainly started the more positive, despite head coach Oscar Pareja opting to keep certain key players – such as Mauro Diaz and Michael Barrios – on the bench, no doubt with half an eye on the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup final against New England Revolution on Tuesday.
That said, the Rapids did not even have the luxury of traveling with a full gameday roster of 18. They went to Texas without Bobby Burling, Marco Pappa and Shkëlzen Gashi, due to a combination of illness and injury. Kevin Doyle began on the bench, but must now be a doubt for next Saturday’s return home to face San Jose Earthquakes, after limping out late on with an ankle injury, having only been on the field for a little over 10 minutes.
The game was decided seven minutes after the restart. Head coach Pablo Mastroeni played his part, hurriedly handing the ball to Sebastien Le Toux. Le Toux’s quick throw found the feet of Badji who, with a drop of the shoulder, threw off Walker Zimmerman just long enough to spin and make a dash for goal. His right-footed drive skipped off the surface and beyond the outstretched hand of goalkeeper Chris Seitz.
As expected, Pareja – who had introduced Barrios at the break – wasted no time in dropping Diaz into a situation he could not have expected. Mauro Rosales was also brought on, and the pressure built. Corner after corner tested the Rapids’ resolve. Diaz dangerously delivered numerous freekicks, awarded as the Rapids threw everything into denying Dallas a sight at goal.
When an opening was created, returning goalkeeper Tim Howard was happy to play his part in a gutsy performance, making seven saves.
Colorado Rapids (12-5-10; 46 points) are back at home next Saturday, with San Jose Earthquakes the visitors
