COMMERCE CITY — The game obviously was unimportant to Rapids fans, given that only 1,790 turned out, and there were times when it seemed unimportant to the Rapids, given that they fell behind 2-0 in the first half to a team from the second-tier United Soccer League.
But by prevailing 3-2 with an 89th-minute goal in a U.S. Open Cup game Tuesday night against Oklahoma City Energy FC, the Rapids found lessons they hope to carry forward.
“I think the most important one is, itap not over until itap over, keep fighting, believe in yourself,” coach said. “Itap about team, itap about staying together, itap about believing, itap about grinding. The difference between good and great is the belief, is the confidence, those intangibles, chemistry.”
With upcoming MLS games on Saturday (June 17), June 21 and June 24, Mastroeni rested many of his most important players, fielding only two regulars and two semi-regulars. The few loyal fans who turned out weren’t able to create any atmosphere, giving the game the feel of a scrimmage.
“These games aren’t easy – Tuesday, few fans in the stadium, you’ve got to create your own energy and momentum,” Mastroeni said. “In the second half, the guys went out and approached the game the right way. When you’re down 2-0, you’ve got to fight. Thatap our MO, we’re going to fight. I think itap more of a fear of letting your teammates down. This is why sports is so fun. Itap games like this when you’re behind, you claw your way back, you believe in yourself and you know you’re going to come back and win it.”
Early in the season, the Rapids gave up costly late goals, most notably two in the last five minutes of a 2-1 loss to Real Salt Lake and one in the 84th minute of a 1-0 loss to Vancouver. But Tuesday marked their second come-from-behind win in a row. Against Columbus on June 3, they scored two goals in the last 10 minutes to prevail 2-1.
“Coming back from down two goals, and against Columbus we were able to come back, as well — itap just a belief thing,” said defender , who scored the equalizing goal Tuesday night. “Last year, we were able to score goals late, so like every minute of the game you’re like, ‘89th minute, we’re fine, we can still score here.’ When you can actually put it out there and you can come from behind, the belief thing is huge. Teams are so equal in the MLS, if you just believe until the end and keep fighting, you’re going to find goals in those games.”
Burling injured. Center back felt something “pop” in his foot late in the first half and left the stadium after the game in a walking boot. There was no immediate diagnosis. Mastroeni said the team’s other regular center backs — , and Kortne Ford — will be available Saturday. All three have been injured recently. Watts was in the lineup Tuesday.
