One crucial moment could have been the difference for the Colorado Rapids in Friday’s 1-0 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. In a Western Conference road game which offered a six-point swing in the standings, the result further unraveled the thread holding Colorado’s playoff hopes together.
Dillon Powers’ headed effort in the 52nd minute could’ve made him the hero, but instead the shot bounced off the post, resulting in a sequence of play that led to Clarence Goodson’s goal a minute later and Colorado going home empty handed.
“To get beat on that play was a bit harsh,” Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said postgame. “It was one moment where we were shut off on a free kick, tuned out and finished with some poor marking in the box.”
For newly signed Rapids defender Sean St. Ledger, it marked a disappointing debut.
“It hit the bar and that could’ve changed everything,” St. Ledger said of Powers’ header. “Goals change football games. When you go 1-0 down it’s always difficult when you’re away from home to chase the game.”
Alongside Honduran international Maynor Figueroa, St. Ledger made his first appearance in Mastroeni’s lineup after joining the team last week.
“It’s always hard to adjust to a new style and new team,” Mastroeni said of the defenders’ debuts. “I thought they adjusted well.”
Despite conceding the game's lone goal, defending wasn’t the most pressing of the Rapids’ issues. With only two shots on target in 90 minutes plus an additional five minutes of stoppage time, Colorado’s offense once again left something to be desired.
“We get in good areas but there’s nothing at the end of it,” Mastroeni said of his team’s play in the attacking third. “That’s what’s disheartening.”
What Mastroeni considered “most disappointing” was the result, which marked the Rapids’ third straight loss following the All-Star break.
The disappointment was echoed by St. Ledger.
“I think first and foremost you’re there to win football games and we lost so it’s hugely disappointing,” he said. “We need to go on a run now. There’s no ifs, ands, and buts about it. The games come quick and fast now. We need raw men. We need to pick ourselves up and go again.”
