CARSON, Calif. – The Colorado Rapids left the StubHub Center on Sunday evening knowing they need to come back from a 1-0 deficit in their home leg of the Audi 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs Western Conference Semifinal.
Despite the loss, the result almost went the Rapids’ way with a gritty defensive performance that was a bang-bang play away from a draw. For Colorado head coach Pablo Mastroeni, the result was encouraging, if not ideal.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” said Mastroeni. “I think it was a hard-fought game for both sides. I thought it was exciting, a pretty open game. There weren’t too many clear cut opportunities on either end.
“It was a bad break on our part to concede that goal, but again we knew it was going to be a difficult challenge to come here and beat these guys at their place where they’re coming off a big result and they’re using that momentum.”
After a cagey first half, things began to open up on the second half. The Rapids pushed LA in many moments and won five corners, but were only able to put one shot on target: a Jermaine Jones rocket that was denied by a diving save from Brian Rowe.
The Galaxy were the more aggressive side in terms of attacking, but the Rapids were able to ride waves of LA pressure with a solid defensive shape that limited 1-v-1 chances. This forced LA into attempting 23 crosses, only 17 percent of which found their target.
Now that Rapids go into their home leg without an away goal, but only trailing by one. With the infamous altitude advantage that Colorado provides, Mastroeni is upbeat about his chances.
“I think we’re going back home to a place where we’ve been very good this year," said Mastroeni. "Like our chances at getting a goal and then [again] in the waning minutes or going into overtime at altitude where teams struggle.
“We feel like this is going to be no different, and we’re going to put forth a great performance in front of our home fans. Hopefully 9 at night, hopefully 30 degrees, and give them everything we’ve got.”
Mastroeni’s plans to freeze out his competition like a Batman villain aside, the Rapids have been notably good at home all season. They finished the regular season undefeated at Dick's Sporting Goods Park (11-0-6) and only gave up 7 goals, which set a record for goals-against average at home in an MLS season at 0.41 (the previous record of 0.47 was achieved twice).
That certainly plays into the positive feeling after the result.
“We have one game left in our season [if we don't win], so that’s all we can play for,” said Jared Watts. "We’re going to come out and give it our all.
“There’s a reason we’re undefeated at home. We’re going to come out, same mentality, same mindset. We’re going to push the game and we’re going to go for it.”
