COMMERCE CITY — The question isn’t whether Marco Pappa will change the Rapids’ attack. It’s when.
In two appearances as a second-half substitute this year, Pappa has shown flashes of what could be. He headed a would-be equalizer off the post against San Jose in the opener, then scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner against the Los Angeles Galaxy on March 12 in Colorado’s home opener.
Coach Pablo Mastroeni has been cautious with Pappa’s minutes as the Guatemalan international recovers from a mid-December stabbing that forced him to miss all of the Rapids’ preseason games.
“I’m ready,” Pappa said last week when asked how soon it would be before he could play a full 90 minutes. “But it’s not about me. It’s about the coaches. So you have to respect that.”
After appearances of 11 and 23 minutes, Pappa’s playing time could be lengthened Sunday at D.C. United, especially after one of Colorado’s other key attackers was suspended. Albanian striker Shkelzen Gashi, who left the bench and ran onto the field to celebrate Pappa’s game-winning goal against the Galaxy, received a fine and a one-game ban.
Mastroeni does have other options to replace Gashi this week, including Luis Solignac, Dillon Serna, Zach Pfeffer and Conor Doyle. Pappa said his fitness level is good. He and Mastroeni agreed that what the Guatemala international needs now are game minutes.
“I didn’t bring Marco here to sit on the bench. He’s an influential player,” Mastroeni said. “He’s worked harder in the last six weeks than he’s ever probably been asked to work before in his life.”
The Rapids’ coach said the last thing he wants to do is risk an injury to Pappa that sets him back.
Mastroeni sees Pappa becoming the focal point of the Rapids’ offense this season — and that vision is why Pappa says he came to Colorado. When Pappa has the ball at his feet, Mastroeni said he brings a sense of calm and can combine well with his teammates.
“When he’s on the ball, the game’s relaxed, guys want to move off him because he finds passes,” Mastroeni said. “He’s kind of a catalyst to everything we do moving forward.”
Rapids captain Kevin Doyle said as a center forward he likes having a playmaker such as Pappa on the field.
“He’s looking for the ball all the time,” Doyle said. “Looking to shoot, looking to play people in, looking to cross. He’s that type of offensive player. He’s different.”
Pappa could see some additional minutes next week with the Guatemalan national team. The 28-year-old midfielder was called in for his nation’s World Cup qualifying matches against the United States on Friday and March 29. He is not expected to miss any games for the Rapids.
Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or @danielboniface
Marco Pappa’s production:
A look at Marco Pappa’s production throughout his MLS career
As a starter: 142 games, 32 goals, 25 assists
Off the bench: 21 games, 4 goals, 2 assists
