Following the frustrating draw Sept. 24 against San Jose, one of the most glaring laments echoing throughout the Rapids’ locker room was the club’s inability to score first during its prolonged winless streak.
Drew Moor ended that opening scoring slump, and in turn, the Rapids ended their victory slump.
Moor’s header in the 25th minute off a corner kick from Sanna Nyassi provided all the scoring Colorado needed in a 1-0 win against FC Dallas on Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, in a rematch of last year’s MLS Cup final.
The victory halted the Rapids’ 0-3-2 skid and provided the club with crucial breathing room in the playoff race with two regular-season games remaining.
“I thought it was a very competitive game,” said Rapids coach Gary Smith, whose club had not won at home since Aug. 5. “Dallas is a very good side. I said before the match started, they are one of the complete teams. They give up few goals. They’re a big, strong side, but they’ve got plenty of athleticism. They’re having a bit of a difficult spell, and I’m obviously greatly pleased we were able to take a little advantage of that.”
The Rapids had been unable to notch the first goal in each of their previous four matches, but Moor’s ringing header ended that drought. It was Moor’s fourth goal of the season and his second in as many matches.
The Rapids were forced to play the final 20 minutes a man down after defender Miguel Comminges was sent off following his second yellow card of the match. Yet, several stellar defensive plays and the work of goalie Matt Pickens, who finished with two saves, allowed the Rapids to draw within one point of FC Dallas atop the MLS wild-card race. FCD has suffered four consecutive shutout losses.
“It was a huge win. Just a gutsy performance for 90 minutes from everybody that was on the field,” Moor said. “We knew exactly what we had to do. Dallas is a tough team. They were going through a tough time the past couple of weeks, just like us, and this is a huge win to hopefully propel us into the playoffs.”
FC Dallas 0 0 — 0
Colorado 1 0 — 1
First half — 1, Colorado, Moor 4 (Nyassi), 25th minute. Second half — None.
Goalies — FC Dallas, Kevin Hartman; Colorado, Matt Pickens. Yellow cards — Jackson, FC Dallas, 30th; Hernandez, FC Dallas, 37th; Comminges, Colorado, 62nd; Moor, Colorado, 81st.
Red cards — Comminges, Colorado, 74th.
