The Colorado Rapids (11-14-6, 39 pts., 8th West) fell on the road to FC Dallas (9-11-10, 37 pts., 9th West) 3-1 at Toyota Stadium. Calvin Harris recorded the Rapids’ lone goal in the contest. Colorado still maintains a hold of eighth place in the Western Conference with three matches remaining in the MLS regular season.
Heading into the night, both sides were prepared for every point possible with the Western Conference playoff picture being as tight as can be. Colorado entered the match in eighth place at 39 points with Dallas not far behind in 11th at 34 points.
Dallas managed to open the match’s scoring in the 14th minute with Petar Musa finding the back of the net to give his side an early 1-0 lead.
Despite conceding first, the Rapids kept their attacking pressure up in the hopes of finding an equalizer. That pressure paid off, with the club striking back just six minutes later.
After a defensive clearance from within their own penalty area, Calvin Harris found himself with the ball right at the top of the eighteen. The midfielder then took a touch and ripped a low strike, leaving the Dallas goalkeeper motionless as he watched the shot enter the net.
The goal was Harris’ fifth of the season, marking a single-season career high.
Right before halftime, Dallas would regain the lead, with Christian Cappis scoring in the 36th minute.
That would be all for scoring in the first half as Dallas carried a 2-1 lead.
The Rapids came out of the halftime break with a burst of energy thanks to substitues Darren Yapi and Ted Ku-DiPietro bringing on fresh legs. Yapi found himself with a great opportunity to equalize, but the linesman raised his flag for offside to keep the scoreline at 2-1.
An eventual own goal from Colorado in the 80th minute would round out the scoring in this one, as Dallas claimed all three points at home.
Head Coach Chris Armas spoke on the team’s mindset going into this final stretch of matches before the playoffs:
“The guys stepped on the pitch with good mentality, and we just couldn't get it done. We came into the night knowing a few things. We weren't going to leave the night lower than eighth. We're in the playoff spot. Teams above us dropped points. Teams below us gained a few. That's what it is now, three games to go and all to play for. So, we're looking forward to getting back home. Nothing to sulk about here. We have to stay in the right mode here and get a big, big victory at home next weekend.”
The Rapids will return home for a matchup with Minnesota United FC next Saturday, Sept. 27. Kickoff at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park is set for 7:30 p.m. with coverage available on with coverage available on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV, ColoradoRapids.com, and the Colorado Rapids app.
