The U.S. Open Cup Fourth Round match-up between the Colorado Rapids and the United Soccer League’s Oklahoma City Energy marked the first-ever meeting between the two teams. But for Energy defender Anthony Wallace, the sights and sounds in Commerce City were all too familiar: Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and its cheering fans brought back championship memories.
A 22-year-old Wallace was the starting left back for the Rapids in the 2010 MLS Cup Final– the year the club claimed its first and only championship. He played with Colorado from 2010 to 2013, starting 15 matches and appeared in 23 games overall.
So despite a 3-2 loss and his squad’s elimination from the Open Cup on Tuesday night, the former Rapid had a reason to enjoy his time back on the pitch of DSG Park.
“It was pretty cool,” said Wallace. “Itap been awhile since I’ve been back here (in Colorado). I was trying to live in the moment and not reflect too much on the task at hand. But itap good to see familiar faces, familiar surroundings. Itap like a second home.”
Wallace started in the 2010 MLS Final alongside Rapids legend and current head coach Pablo Mastroeni, who was the team’s captain. But Mastroeni wasn’t the only recognizable face. Rapids’ assistant coaches Conor Casey and Chris Sharpe were also players on the club’s historic team.
Wallace started all four playoff games and posted an assist for Colorado in their championship run seven years ago. In 90 minutes of play Tuesday night, he had a quiet outing and was given a yellow card in stoppage time. But Mastroeni applauded the effort of his former teammate and acknowledged the intensity he brings to Oklahoma City’s back line.
“Wally showed that he’s ageless: chasing balls down, playing out the back,” said Mastroeni. “A great veteran leader for (the Energy).”
Wallace appeared in 44 games over eight seasons in the MLS. His last stint in the league was with the New York Red Bulls in 2015. He started his career with FC Dallas in 2007. In addition to the Energy, Wallace has spent his pro career outside of Major League Soccer with the North American Soccer League’s (NASL) Tampa Bay Rowdies and the Jacksonville Armada.
He was with the Montreal Impact this past preseason, but failed to make the roster.
“These guys that just get into the league for their first year or two, they know how hard it is to stay in this league and stay relevant, man,” said Wallace. “There’s always new people coming out of nowhere that want your job and you gotta stay on top of your game.”
Wallace hopes to get back into the MLS one day. For now, he’ll take the loss against his former team as a learning experience. He hopes his Energy teammates will, too.
“Itap not everyday that you get to play against an MLS team and score two goals against them,” Wallace said. “Itap tough. I hope that they hold it close to their hearts and just keeping moving.”
