FC Dallas Dominate Rapids 2-1 To Fight For Playoff Life

Frisco, TX – In what was a very one sided match, Dallas captured its fourth win in a row beating the Colorado Rapids 2-1 and keeping their playoff dreams alive.

The two top goal scorers in the MLS, Jeff Cunningham and Conor Casey, were featured in this match as they battle for the Golden Boot, but neither one was able to find the back of the net.

Instead, both Dallas goals came from their center backs. The Rapids were fortunate to only lose by a goal, however, as Dallas took 21 shots.

Coming into the game, Colorado had tied its last four games. With a loss to Dallas tonight it looks as if they are heading in the wrong direction as the playoffs inch closer.

First Half

With their playoff dreams on the line, FC Dallas didn’t waste anytime attacking the Colorado Rapids.

Colorado defender Cory Gibbs received a yellow card after a hard foul on Dallas defender Atiba Harris in the 4th minute, rewarding FC Dallas with a free kick from the right corner of the box. Dallas midfielder Dave van den Bergh chipped the free kick into the middle of the box to an on running defender, George John, who had no problem heading it in.

It was John’s first MLS goal and van den Bergh’s eleventh assist of the year.

In the 7th minute, van den Bergh was at it again after Dallas was awarded a corner kick. Van den Bergh put a great ball into the box that midfielder Dax McCarty ran on to, heading it towards the upper 90. Rapids goalkeeper Preston Burpo made a fabulous diving save though, not allowing Dallas to go up by two.

Only three minutes later, Dallas forward David Ferreira almost put tallied another goal for Dallas, but it wasn’t meant to be. Burpo committed to a loose ball that Dallas forward Jeff Cunningham beat him to. With Burpo out of position, Cunningham crossed the ball into the box to Ferreira who slid to make contact, but pushed it just wide of the goal.

Dallas’ defense proved to be strong, not allowing the Rapids any shots on goal. Dallas’ offense was even stronger though, controlling possession and occupying Colorado’s defensive half for the majority of the first half.

As the half went on Colorado was able to find some rhythm, but couldn’t sustain it on a consistent basis. The Rapids looked flat and lackluster throughout the first half. They were lucky to go into the locker room only down by one, rather than three or four.

Dallas; however, played with great intensity and energy. Cunningham, who leads the league in goals, was a menacing force during the half, giving Colorado’s defense all they could handle.

Second Half

Dallas started the second half where the left off the first: attacking.

In the 49th minute, Ferreira snuck behind the Colorado defense and received a through ball, which he may have been offside on, and slotted the ball across to Cunningham. Cunningham was looking for his eighteenth goal of the year, but miss hit it wide of the goal.

In the 54th minute the Rapids finally showed a pulse. After great combination in the center midfield, Colorado was able to find some holes in the Dallas defense and found forward Pat Noonan open at the top of the box. Noonan’s shot was wide, but dangerous nevertheless.

Dallas responded with an attack of its own when they picked apart the Colorado defense and van den Bergh found midfielder Dax McCarty unmarked just inside the 18. McCarty struck the ball high of the mark though.

Much like the first half, the Rapids had no answer for Cunningham. He found holes in the Colorado defense all night, but was unable to put the ball in the back of the net. Cunningham’s tempo looked to be too much for the Rapids back four, who lost him time and time again.

Colorado defender Scott Palguta committed what turned out to be a costly foul in the 66th minute. McCarty took the free kick from the left side; about 30 yards out, and found the head of Harris who knocked it toward the back post. Defender Ugo Ihemelu was on the receiving end and knocked the ball off the post and into the goal.

It was Ihemelu’s first goal of the year and second career goal.

Colorado wasn’t going to go quietly tough. In the 71st minute midfielder Nick Labrocca was slide tackled on the left flank. The ball found its way to Noonan who was able to beat Ihemelu off the dribble and struck a low shot that beat goalkeeper Dario Sala on the near post.

 Despite the goal, Colorado’s defense was a mess all night.  Dallas created chances at will throughout the second half. The Rapids put up no resistance and were lucky not to be beaten by six or seven goals. Ferreira had the best chance at a third goal when his shot found the woodwork in the 80th minute. However, Dallas had too many quality chances to list.

Scott Guthrie, Goal.com