COMMERCE CITY — The Rapids have been looking through the window at their first playoff berth in three years, and Saturday night, that window turned into a mirror.
And the Rapids didn’t like what they saw.
They had the defending MLS champion Columbus Crew at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Columbus was missing last year’s MLS MVP, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and current all-star Frankie Hejduk with injuries. The Rapids peppered the Crew’s goal 16 times, with Omar Cummings opening his own private shooting gallery.
Yet the Crew escaped 1-0 and the Rapids (7-6-6) remained in a tie at 27 points with Chivas USA for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
“That’s why they won the championship,” Rapids coach Gary Smith said. “They squeak out 1-nil games, and we’re still learning.”
Don’t read too much into Columbus’ injuries. They also had midfielder Robbie Rogers and defender Chad Marshall back from national team duties at the Gold Cup. Marshall scored the lone goal in the 39th minute on a free kick from about 25 yards out.
Also, the Rapids weren’t at full strength for the first time since May 30, as they had hoped they would be. Saturday morning, Smith scratched leading scorer Conor Casey, whose groin injury from Wednesday’s All-Star Game had stiffened after Friday’s practice.
As for learning, the Rapids needed a quick refresher in Converting 101. Cummings had seven shots from all angles, none better than in the 34th minute when he beat Marshall to a high-bouncing ball at the top of the penalty area.
However, he couldn’t get enough foot on it, and it fell harmlessly into the hands of William Hesmer, who made six saves. In the 55th minute, Cummings rocketed a header into the near corner. Hesmer stopped the ball and landed with it right on the goal line.
“It was below par tonight,” Cummings said. “There was enough effort. It was just deficient.”
Added Smith: “Omar was outstanding. He caused their back four a lot of problems. Sadly, there wasn’t enough movement, cutting edge in the penalty area to get clear-cut chances.”
The Rapids outshot the Crew 16-5, but Columbus only needed one shot. Marshall took a short tap on a free kick and shot through the Colorado defense and under the arms of goalkeeper Matt Pickens. The Rapids lost their last chance in the 85th minute when Ugo Ihemelu received a red card, forcing them to play a man down the rest of the way.
“For the amount of clear-cut opportunities we made, nil-nil would’ve been written all over the game,” Smith said. “In the end, they won the game on a silly free kick.”
Casey said his injury isn’t serious. For the Rapids, it better not be. Chivas USA comes to town next Saturday with fourth place on the line.
Columbus 1 0 — 1
Colorado 0 0 — 0 First half — 1, Columbus, Marshall 3 (Rogers), 39th minute.
Second half — None.
Goalies — Columbus, William Hesmer; Colorado, Matt Pickens.
Yellow cards — Garey, Columbus, 47th+; Ihemelu, Colorado, 60th.
Red card — Ihemelu, Colorado, 84th.
Referee — Yader Reyes. Assistant referees — Eric Boria. Peter Manikowski. 4th official — Ben Chouaf.
A — 10,851 (18,086)
John Henderson: 303-954-1299 or jhenderson@denverpost.com
