MLS Cup Hangover

The Colorado Rapids won their first MLS title last night in Toronto.  They overcame a first-half deficit to win in overtime 2-1.  Sadly, an own goal was the decider.  The actual goals came from David Ferreira for FC Dallas and Conor Casey from Colorado.  Overall, the game was extremely physical with challenges and cards a-flying.  Colorado did a good job physically beating the aesthetically-pleasing flow out of Dallas.  The game started with neither team really gaining a foothold in neither possession nor scoring chances.  The game changed in the middle of the first half when Jair Benitez clearly tripped Conor Casey in the box but the ref didn't buy it.  From there, Dallas started gaining possession and converted their chance in the 35th minute with a classly counterattack.  Around the half, Jair Benitez play a crossfield ball to an onrunning Marvin Chavez, who put in a beautifully-whipped in ball into the box.  The cross was met by an unrushing Ferreira who netted his second of the postseason by volleying the ball past an ondiving Pickens.  The half ended in controversy with a hard head-to-head collision in the Dallas box between George John and Conor Casey (not the last time this happened).


Everyone thought that FC Dallas would takeover the game and open up the scoring in the second half, but Colorado said otherwise.  The second half saw the play go back and forth with more rough challenges, more midfield battles, and more Casey bashings.  In the 57th minute, this bashing lead to the Colorado goal as Jamie Smith worked his way into the box and sent a low cross at the near post.  The clearance attempt was fumbled by, I believe, Jair Benitez who colliding with of course and onrushing Casey.  With Benitez, Casey, and Hartman all disoriented, Casey shot the ball into the net whilst laying on the ground.  Regulation played out in a physical tussle with not many opportunities on both sides.  Larentowicz did produce a wicked free kick which force Hartman into a crucial save. 

The first 15 of extra time was flat out boring.  Both teams continued their physical playing style, while legs started waning and efforts were redirected to defensive organization instead of attacking aggression.  Colorado got the winner in the 107th minute.  Overtime sub Mac Kandji took on the defender in the box, megged him, and managed to send a toe blast toward the middle in desperation it appeared.  That toe blast deflected off the thigh of George John and agonizingly floated into the net on the near side.  After the goal, Ferreira tried to win it himself.  He seemed to be the only one either trying to score or setting up a goal.  Ihemelu skyed a golden opportunity late in the game.

For Colorado, I thought the game went according to plan (with the exception of conceding first).  They were desperate to claim they were the underdogs and they looked like it.  They had to resort to brute tactics to stop the flow of Dallas.  Casey was an absolute bowling ball all over the field and Drew Moor and Marvell Wynne were thugs in the back.  I thought Mastroeni and Larentowicz were clinical in shutting down Ferreira.  Ultimately, they should be extremely happy to win the game (obviously) because it's hard to say the deserved it. 

For Dallas, I thought the should've commanded the game more.  Everyone thought they would take over once they scored but their attack seemed to fizzle and was, at times, lethargic.  I thought Benitez had a poor outing at left back, and I thought Chavez was prematurely subbed.  All of Dallas's speed of attack came through him, yet Hyndman decided to sub him out.  Dallas should be disappointed, but their outlook is bright.  They should return a young and talented core next year.

Attendance: 21,700 (3rd lowest in MLS Cup history)

Man of the Match: Conor Casey, Colorado Rapids

Honorable Mention: Matt Pickens, Jeff Larentowicz, Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), David Ferreira (FC Dallas)

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