Colorado Rapids MatchDay: A Tie That Feels Like A Loss

The Colorado Rapids finished their pre Copa America Centenario with a drab 1-1 draw at home vs Philadelphia Union which had some bright moments, but ultimately ended in frustration.  There are times in a season where you snatch a victory out of the jaws of defeat however you have to also expect that you snatch a draw (or a loss) out of the jaws of victory.

That was last night.

This is not to take anything away from the Union.  They fought and they never gave up and ultimately were able to get a result at a place that has been brutal to play at for visiting teams.

But the Rapids had this game.  They had it and they let it slip through their fingers.  Ultimately, I think they will be fine, but this one has to stick in their craw just a bit.

Rapids Gaffer Pablo Mastroeni on the game:

Thoughts on the result...
That's football for you. The game doesn't give you anything and you have to concentrate until the last whistle. Give them credit, they pushed and fought, but it was obviously disappointing.

On the number of chances created...
I think myself and everyone in there believes that we're going to win every game. I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing, but the positive is that you keep fighting until the game is over. I think the first half was slow and sluggish especially in possession. We weren't incisive enough. Overall, it was a game against a very good team who has been playing very well. Hats off to them for grabbing a point.

On missing Jones and Gashi...
The way we talk about it is, everyone needs to play. You've got to go out there and win with the players that you have. To me, the most important thing is that you have to go out and prove yourself every week regardless of who's available or who's injured.

It's not about changing a mindset because we don't have certain players, it's a consistent mindset that says it's a great opportunity to once again, prove to ourselves that we're a very good side playing against the best team in the East. We controlled large portions of that game and created some good opportunities. Unfortunately tonight, we just didn't get the three points.

On Cronin's performance...
Sam has an uncanny ability to find those moments to squeeze past people in the midfield and find good spots in front of goal. Tonight, I think he showed his class. It was a fantastic delivery, fantastic finish at the right time and that type of mentality in the midfield is what we need.

This one is going to sting for a bit and this tie feels like a loss as is summed up by Marlon Hairston:

Yes, definitely - for me it does. I just wanted to come in and make an impact for this team. We fought hard today, we created numerous chances. We wanted to go into the break with three points here at home, but at the same time, to finish before the break undefeated is still great for us and great for the fans, and it's definitely something that we can continue to build on for when we come back from the break.

The Rapids are now off from MLS play until Saturday, 18 June 2016 with another home match against Chicago Fire at 7:00 PM.  The match will be shown on Altitude Sports.