Rapids Recap: Colorado gives up late injury time goal to Houston in preseason loss – The Denver Post

Houston Dynamo 3, Colorado Rapids 2

Saturday at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Ariz.

On the Pitch: While results don’t count in preseason, it’s a loss that stings a bit and brings a damper to an otherwise solid few weeks in Arizona in the finale of the Desert Showcase. The Rapids put out a starting 11 with those who will likely start come the Concacaf Champions League and MLS regular season and went 78 minutes. But the backline had a rough day as they conceded two goals in the final 10 minutes, including a 92nd-minute winner from Dyanmo’s Adelberto Carrasquilla.

Sloppy passing in vulnerable spots led to bad giveaways as the Dynamo had a goal taken away because of a Lalas Abubakar goal-line clearance in the first half. They also hit the post later in the game. When it mattered, they converted the Rapids’ other mistakes, including the initial go-ahead goal from Andre Gitau in the 82nd minute after a turnover from substitute Michael Edwards, and the winner from Carrasquilla.

In the Final Third: The Rapids didn’t have too many attacking chances, but the two goals they did score were good all the same. Diego Rubio opened the scoring in the seventh minute on a header, after Lucas Esteves was not closed down and delivered a good ball to Rubio.

Down a goal with a few minutes to go, Dantouma “Yaya” Toure showed why he has so much promise with a phenomenal goal. He shimmied his way to create separation and blew by his defender and then hit a well-driven shot meant for the low corner and found it. Toure has had an excellent start to preseason and has been dangerous every time he’s taken the field. The only true other chance on the day was a shot from Jonathan Lewis that sailed just over crossbar in the 72nd minute.

Worth noting: New defender Aboubacar Keita made his Rapids debut, as he subbed on for the final 10 minutes of the match. Keita, who was acquired from Columbus Crew earlier this winter, has been battling injury, but should get up to speed with the final stretch of preseason coming up.

Lalas Abubakar had to be subbed off in the 50th minute while trying to shield off a Dynamo attacker. He was replaced by Edwards. After the game, it was revealed that he had to be replaced due to back tightness and it was a precautionary move.

Up Next: The Rapids will return to Denver Saturday night and will be off for a few days before heading down to Florida next week. They will face Orlando City SC for another preseason test, 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11 at Exploria Stadium.

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