In the second half of Saturday’s Rapids game, there was a sight for sore eyes. Defender Tommy Smith scored on a rebound off a set piece to even the score with Dallas.
Smith returned to the pitch this past weekend and started after missing the first three games of the season with a knee injury.
The 28-year-old was a staple of the Colorado club last season playing in all but one game. Smith was also an important part of the Rapids’ offense despite being a defender. He netted four goals, which was second-most on the team.
“It didn’t look at all like he hadn’t been playing,” coach Anthony Hudson said postgame. “I thought he was a good performer. It was always going to be tough since (Smith) hadn’t played a game in a long time, he did not have a full preseason.”
Smith had been active in training the past two weeks leading up to his 90 minutes on Saturday. Last week, he was available for selection against Kansas City but did not play.
“Itap great to be back out there,” Smith said after the 2-1 defeat at Dallas. “Obviously, we are very disappointed with the result of the match. To be honest, I’d give up any goal that I’ve scored to get three points because itap so disheartening after.”
The Rapids (0-2-2) have yet to earn three points across four matches this season — let alone win one game. It was well known with their offseason changes and a tough four-game stretch to begin that this start was a possibility.
Still, Smith’s return should steady the backline as well as add a bit of scoring depth for set pieces and corners.
Colorado’s start to matches has been concerning, though its resolve has shown by fighting back in those same games. The Rapids did so against Dallas tying the contest on Smith’s goal, but lost control a few minutes later and then lost the match
“We thought we were right on top and we got the equalizer,” Smith said. “It just wasn’t meant to be. It felt like we were going to be the team to go on and win but itap a bit of a kick in the teeth it didn’t happen for us.”
