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Match Recap: Colorado Rapids 1-1 Sporting Kansas City
Cole Bassett snatched his fourth career goal, and his first since last September, as the Colorado Rapids registered a 1-1 draw with Western Conference leaders Sporting Kansas City on Saturday night, writes Richard Fleming.
Goalless at the interval, Bassett lifted his effort into the roof of Tim Melia’s net 12 minutes after the restart after excellent work from Younes Namli and a dummy from Diego Rubio.
The lead, though, would last just 10 minutes, before Gianluca Busio buried beyond William Yarbrough after the Rapids were unable to fully clear a Johnny Russell corner.
Sporting KC finished the game with 10 men, after leading scorer Gadi Kinda saw a second yellow card and left his side a man down with 12 minutes remaining.
Despite the man advantage, the Rapids were unable to add to their tally. Their best effort in the latter stages fell to Jonathan Lewis, who found space at the back post but could only find the side netting from eight yards out.
Kei Kamara came on for his 350th MLS appearance, but his opportunities were limited. He volleyed over from close range when the ball dropped to him on the turn. The 35-year-old took the shot a split second too early and hooked it into the stands, perhaps not knowing he had the time required to fully test Melia.
Sporting KC came out the strongest, running up numerous corners early on, while Alan Pulido was making darting, intelligent runs behind the Rapids’ back line. Yarbrough produced a number of fine saves, including one with his knee to deny the Mexican number nine.
The Rapids weathered the early storm, and again settled into a pattern of maintaining possession, building downfield, but often lacking the final ball.
Sporting were forced into making two changes before the break. First Roger Espinoza pulled up with what appeared a hamstring issue, before Winston Reid followed him with another muscle injury.
Robin Fraser made two changes to the side which lost to Real Salt Lake seven days earlier, with Andre Shinyashiki and Cole Bassett starting over Lewis and Nicolas Mezquida. Both would step out early, but not before Bassett helped the Rapids to a point.
This will offer a little lift after the previous encounter, but the Rapids have now gone five games without a win, with a trip next Saturday to San Jose Earthquakes to follow (8.30pm MT, Altitude TV).
Lineups
Colorado Rapids: William Yarbrough; Keegan Rosenberry, Lalas Abubakar, Danny Wilson, Sam Vines; Jack Price; Younes Namli (Braian Galvan 89’), Cole Bassett (Kei Kamara 68’), Kellyn Acosta (Nicolas Mezquida 59’), Andre Shinyashiki (Jonathan Lewis 59’), Diego Rubio. Subs not used: Clint Irwin, Drew Moor, Jeremy Kelly, Collen Warner, Auston Trusty.
Sporting KC: Tim Melia; Graham Zusi, Graham Smith, Winston Reid (Roberto Puncec 40’), Jaylin Lindsey; Gianluca Busio; Khiry Shelton, Roger Espinoza (Felipe Hernandez 16’), Gadi Kinda, Gerso (Johnny Russell 64’); Alan Pulido. Subs not used: Richard Sanchez, Luis Martins, Matt Besler, Cameron Duke, Daniel Salloi, Erik Hurtado.
Referee: Armando Villarreal
NOTES:
Kei Kamara made his 350th regular season appearance in MLS.
For Lalas Abubakar, this game marked his 60th MLS appearance, while Keegan Rosenberry hit 120.
Nicolas Mezquida went beyond 6,000 career minutes in the league.
Argentine youngster Braian Galvan made his DICK'S Sporting Goods Park debut.
