There has been little doubt about the Rapids’ fortitude this season.
Their killer instinct, however, leaves them far too merciful.
Well rested and well intentioned, the Rapids gave up an early goal Wednesday night to Chivas USA and were left to work like crazy to salvage a 1-1 draw at Invesco Field at Mile High.
The Rapids outplayed the second-year club, dominating every statistical category, but nagging deficiencies in their linking play, finishing and set pieces were laid bare in the end. Too often the Rapids were guilty of looking for the perfect pass or the perfect shot.
“We created a lot of chances, but to win games you have to finish them,” Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo said. “We paid the price.”
Clavijo added: “I think sometimes you just need to aim and shoot and the deflection will help you. We didn’t do that. We tried to do everything pretty pretty.”
Juan Pablo Garcia gave the visitors the lead with a superb goal in the 10th minute before Chivas-killer Dedi Ben-Dayan leveled in the 58th off a great run down the left side by defender Eric Denton.
Ben-Dayan’s goal was his third of the season and fourth in four career games against Chivas USA.
The Rapids (5-4-3), who are on the road Saturday against FC Dallas, failed to defeat Chivas USA for the third straight time, twice at Invesco Field.
Colorado had a 17-4 advantage in shots, but forced just three saves from goalie Preston Burpo and had a staggering 10-0 advantage in corner kicks.
It was shades of last season when the Rapids were uncertain on the pitch while trying to adjust to a roster full of new faces.
“We’re hesitant going forward and we’re a better team when we go forward,” said winger Terry Cooke, who was denied twice at close range in the 66th minute. “In general we’ve got to work a lot more on set pieces. The delivery is going in.”
Despite playing its second game in four days, Chivas USA (5-5-2) attacked from the opening whistle, moving the ball through the midfield and finding acres of space outside the penalty area.
A goal seemed imminent and Garcia obliged when a pass from Ante Razov found him with plenty of room in front of defender Aitor Karanka. Garcia one-timed his fourth goal of the season, floating it just over the head of goalie Joe Cannon to the far post.
“(We had) no bite. I was embarrassed at times,” said defender Mike Petke, both admonishing and praising Colorado’s slow start and Chivas USA’s tactics. “They pretty much exploited everything we had the first half.”
Clint Mathis nearly equalized two minutes later with a bending free kick that smacked off the crossbar.
The Rapids finally bore down in the second half, swarming outside the 18-yard box only to be frustrated.
Ben-Dayan equalized with a left-footed blast just outside the 6-yard box when Denton charged deep toward the end line, faked an early cross and then slotted the ball low right to the boot of the Israeli.
Chivas USA 1 0 – 1
Colorado 0 1 – 1
First half – 1, Chivas USA, Garcia 4 (Razov, Mendoza), 10th minute.
Second half – 2, Colorado, Ben-Dayan 3 (Denton), 58th.
Goalies – Chivas USA, Burpo; Colorado, Cannon.
Yellow cards – Llamosa, Chivas USA, 31st minute; Kirovski, Colorado, 70th; Garcia, Chivas USA, 77th. A – 6,692 (27,000).
