Colorado Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said the Rapids stadium needs an exorcism after his team’s 1-1 draw against San Jose Earthquakes. (Brent Lewis, The Denver Post)
Anyone have a live chicken? How about a priest?
After the Friday night, coach Pablo Mastroeni called for someone — anyone — to evict the demons that dwell at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
“This stadium needs an exorcism,” Mastroeni said when asked what he was thinking when Rapids midfielder Lucas Pittinari’s potential game-winning header caromed off the post and out with seconds left in stoppage time.
The Rapids had just tied the game with a stoppage time goal from defender James Riley, but narrowly missed stealing all three points after trailing since a 19th minute goal by the Quakes’ Chris Wondolowski. The draw extended the Rapids home winless streak to an MLS-record 11 games dating back to July 2014.
“I don’t know about cursed,” Mastroeni said. “But it is one of the most bizarre experiences as a player, as a human that I’ve ever seen.”
Despite the comments, Mastroeni said the Rapids control their own destiny.
Rapids captain Drew Moor downplayed Mastroeni’s comments and said the Rapids simply need to play better.
“I don’t think the stadium needs an exorcism, although I’m sure Pablo is doing anything he can to make sure that happens,” Moor said. “We just need to do better on the field, we need to start games better at home.”
