The Rapids were expected to be upset Monday at practice.
But it wasn’t Saturday’s 4-1 loss to Chivas USA that was hard to stomach; the 2-2 draw with Real Salt Lake on May 27 had players and coaches rueful.
Those feelings are particularly useful this week as the Rapids (4-4-2) prepare to host Real Salt Lake (3-5-2) on Friday at Invesco Field at Mile High.
The Rapids gave up two late goals in Salt Lake City, one on a disputed penalty kick, to begin a run of three games in eight days that ended with Saturday’s loss in Carson, Calif. Revenge against Real Salt Lake is obvious, but so is washing out the taste of a loss and getting a positive result before a 12-day break.
“A lot more emphasis is put on these games (with) the whole Rocky Mountain Cup issue and it’s one of those rivals where every game we play is going to have more emphasis,” said Clint Mathis, who was traded from Real Salt Lake in the offseason for striker Jeff Cunningham.
Four days on the road in an eight-day span showed in the Rapids’ form against Chivas USA. The Rapids failed to finish offensively, gave up an early own goal and were burned twice by players getting free behind the defense.
Before the loss, the Rapids’ defense gave up four goals in the previous five games combined.
“I don’t think this was a low spot in our season,” defender Hunter Freeman said. “We’re obviously not happy, but this game this weekend is a huge game.”
Also huge to the Rapids is proving they deserved a victory last month in Salt Lake City.
“Those are things players think about in the back of your head,” Freeman said. “It’s not something that maybe is addressed in front of everybody, but it’s definitely not something we all just forget about.”
Focusing on finishing
The Rapids are averaging a little more than a goal a game this season and have managed more than two goals just once.
Coach Fernando Clavijo said he is satisfied with the Rapids’ possession and creativity on the pitch, but stressed finishing needs to improve for the team to become truly dangerous.
“Everything is about finishing,” Clavijo said. “Everything for us to perform well is not only playing well, but also being able to capitalize on the things we create. We haven’t been able to do that.”
The Rapids continue to heal with Joe Cannon (groin) and Nicolas Hernandez (hamstring) ready for first-team consideration. Clavijo hinted at changes to the lineup on Friday but said it was not because he was disappointed with Saturday’s loss.
