By DAN KARELL
Returning to the friendly confines of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park might be just what the Colorado Rapids needed.
After a 4-1 thumping last Saturday at the Seattle Sounders, the Rapids again jumped themselves into the top five in the Western Conference with a 1-0 victory against the LA Galaxy. Rapids midfielder Vicente Sanchez scored the game’s only goal in the first half, perfectly chipping the ball over Galaxy goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.
The Galaxy will certainly rue their missed chances, having had a Landon Donovan shot hit the post and another fizz just wide, while Robbie Keane failed to convert a penalty kick. The Galaxy also lost Omar Gonzalez to a knee injury at halftime.
In the 20th minute, a long ball found Sanchez on the right side of the post. After a tremendous first touch, Sanchez faced the net and sent a light chip floating through the air, with Penedo’s eyes all over it. But though he saw it, the ball traveled towards the top corner, stunning Penedo and his Galaxy teammates.
From then on, the Rapids put together a strong and organized midfield and defense, which helped them preserve the clean sheet.
The match was played with the Rapids’ first jersey sponsor, Ciao Telecom.
Here are the match highlights:
