Photo by: Michael Burns/ ISIPhotos.com

By RYAN TOLMICH

With the World Cup break looming, the Colorado Rapids and Chicago Fire played like a pair of teams looking forward to an extended vacation.

The two teams played to a goalless draw Wednesday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in a contest that saw both sides rest a number of key players.

After a lackluster first half, both teams substituted in their regulars throughout the game’s second stanza in an effort to steal all three points. However, neither team could muster a goal, forcing the two sides to settle for a draw, which pushes the Fire’s tally to an MLS-leading eight on the season.

The game’s biggest chance came in the 76th minute when Fire striker Juan Luis Anangono chased down a long ball in the Rapids final third just in front of Colorado goalkeeper John Berner. The Ecuadoran Designated Player headed over the onrushing Berner, but the ball trickled just wide.

The Rapids, who were the more active team throughout the night, had a chance of their own in stoppage time via substitute Dillon Serna. The 20-year-old’s 93rd minute chip clanked off the crossbar before being ruled offside by the linesman in what proved to be the game’s final kick of the ball.

“I don’t think we were as clinical as we wanted to be in that final third,” said Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni. “Having said that, the guys put out a great effort, and we got a clean sheet. The mentality was right, and I think it’s a performance to build on going towards the weekend.”

Both sides will have to regroup for Saturday contests, as the Rapids head to Texas to take on FC Dallas, while the Fire host the Seattle Sounders.

Highlights from the match can be seen below:
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