July 4 did not produce many fireworks on the field for the Colorado Rapids, as the Western Conference leaders entering the match played the MLS Cup champion Portland Timbers to a 0-0 draw Monday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Howard’s long-awaited debut.
The forthcoming of the United States Men’s National Team’s all-time win leader was the storyline of the club for days and even weeks ahead, though when Monday was all said and done, he had nothing but pleasant reactions.
“Great atmosphere,” Howard said. “It’s what I heard it to be. It was my expectation, having spent the week in Denver, all the people, all the excitement. I expected nothing less.”
The atmosphere was bogged down though with a predominantly dormant first half though, as both teams traded three shots apiece in the first 45 minutes. The Rapids held a 2-0 advantage in those that were on goal.
Perhaps Colorado’s best first half chance came in the 20th minute when Shkelzen Gashi, who just returned from a stint with Albania for Euro 2016, took a through ball from Michael Azira one-on-one with Jake Gleeson, but Portland’s goalkeeper denied the left-footed shot.
Jermaine Jones made his return for Colorado, as well, and was rewarded with Man of the Match for hustle.
“I think he put forth a very good effort,” head coach Pablo Mastroeni said. “The synchronicity between the attacking group wasn’t there today,” but Jones appeared to be a bright spot in the Rapids’ midfield.
Portland was held to just eight shots against Colorado. They mustered chances of their own in the first half like the Rapids, but despite not finding the net over the course of the 90 minutes, it was still a well-earned point for the head coach Caleb Porter’s side.
“Disappointed that none of those four [chances] fell, but it’s a good point on the road, keeps us moving.”
For the Rapids, though, it’s a chance for them to regroup and get back on the winning side.
“Now we can build and really look forward to concentrating on a really tight-knit group,” Mastroeni said.
Colorado moves to 9-2-6 overall and 7-0-2 at home. They’re now unbeaten in their last 12 MLS matches and will look to make it 13 on Saturday when they travel to Vancouver.
