Rapids Match Report (Phoenix, AZ) - The Colorado Rapids wrapped up a week-long stint at the Casa Grande Performance Institute by earning a 0-0 draw with Rocky Mountain Cup rivals Real Salt Lake this afternoon.
Colorado conclude their trip with a 0-1-2 record against the 2008 and 2009 MLS Cup champions and the 2009 MLS Cup finalists.
(Check out exclusive video from Rapids Head Coach Gary Smith commenting on today’s match and the team’s Arizona trip on the Rapids' Facebook page by clicking here).
The Rapids can head back to Colorado tomorrow with their heads held high after playing their most complete match of the week. Players had obiviously been influenced by Gary Smith and his staff's instruction throughout the week, as the team’s shape and link play were far improved today, and the squad's overall energy was the better of the two sides on the pitch vs. RSL.
Colorado dominated much of the first half play on RSL's side of the field. The Rapids' most opportunistic scoring chance of the first 45 minutes came in the 28th minute when Mehdi Ballouchy’s shot from the top of the box rebounded off the crossbar.
The Rapids started the second half with trialist Rolan De La Cruz in the central midfield. The 6’4” Colombian joined the club on Wednesday night and only had two training sessions before being thrown into the fire of today’s quickly-paced match.
Neither side were too creative in their offensive play in the second stanza, as the 0-0 score held firm.
The Rapids return to Colorado tomorrow for one week of two-a-day sessions before heading back out on the road again for a weeklong preseason trip to London, England to train at the headquarters of Rapids partner club Arsenal FC.
Colorado Rapids vs. Real Salt Lake
Preseason match
Scoring Summary:
None
Rapids 1st Half Lineup: Matt Pickens, Kosuke Kimura, Julien Baudet, Mike Holody, Drew Moor, Wells Thompson, Mehdi Ballouchy, Ross LaBauex, Jamie Smith, Omar Cummings, Devon Hodges
Rapids 2nd Half Lineup: Matt Pickens, Rob Valentino Drew Moor, Greg Dalby, Mike Holody, Andy Lorei, Nick LaBrocca, Rolan De La Cruz, Ross LaBauex, Omar Cummings, Andre Akpan
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