Tim Howard kept a clean-sheet on his return to Major League Soccer as the Colorado Rapids drew 0-0 with the Portland Timbers at Dick’s Sporting Good Park on July 4.
The USMNT keeper made crucial saves from Darren Mattocks and Lucas Melano to preserve a point in his first game back in the league for 12 years, 11 months, 22 days.
Rapids were marginally the better side and had chances to score through returning international Shkëlzen Gashi and Jermaine Jones. However, the visitors hit the woodwork at the end of each half. Fanendo Adi rattled the far post in the 43rd minute and Ned Grabavoy’s effort bounced off the outside of the upright in the final minute.
Rapids (9-2-6) have been overtaken as leaders in the Western Conference and the Supporters’ Shield by FC Dallas (10-5-4). However, they retain two games in hand. Portland (6-6-6) also dropped down a place on the back of this result.
FIRST HALF
The arrival of Howard had been the main narrative all week and perhaps it also overshadowed the early stages of the game.
Neither side settled quickly and, despite Mattocks’ early drive wide, the Rapids were the more offensive team. Jones was prominent early. His angled ball just eluded Gashi then, shortly afterwards, Azira fed the Albanian with a ball over the top but his effort was blocked by the advancing Jake Gleeson.
Portland had chances. Rapids fans held their breathe after Watts fouled Adi in the area but referee Ricardo Salazar waved play on. Then, in the final seconds of the half, the same striker muscled off Axel Sjoberg and weaved past Watts before thumping an effort against the outside of the post.
SECOND HALF
There was a string of saves after the restart. Gleeson made a fine stop from Gashi’s goalbound drive toward the far post in the 53rd minute. Then Howard came to the fore.
He stood up proudly to deny Mattocks and Melano with his legs. The latter was the standout effort given that the Argentine was clear on the left flank and made solid contact.
Jones stung the hands of Gleeson with the 10 minutes remaining as both sides seemed to have settled for the draw.
However, in the final minute of normal time, Portland substitute Grabavoy volleyed a low shot that kissed the outside of the far post.
*
TEAM NEWS
Of course, the major prematch news was about the debut of Howard. However other big names were back in the squad. Gashi and Jones returned to the starting XI after international tournaments. Marco Pappa and Dillon Powers made way.
Compared to Rapids’ last MLS game at LA Galaxy, Mekeil Williams also came in at left back so Eric Miller switched to the opposite flank.
BOX SCORE
Colorado Rapids 0-0 Portland Timbers
July 4, 2016 – Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Scoring Summary: N/A
Colorado Rapids: Tim Howard, Eric Miller, Jared Watts, Axel Sjöberg, Mekeil Williams, Micheal Azira, Sam Cronin (Dillon Powers 82’), Jermaine Jones, Marlon Hairston (Dominique Badji 69’), Shkëlzen Gashi (Marco Pappa 67’), Kevin Doyle.
Subs not used: Zac MacMath, Dennis Castillo, Marc Burch, Luis Solignac.
Portland Timbers: Jake Gleeson, Alvas Powell, Jermaine Taylor, Nat Borchers, Zarek Valentin, Ben Zemanski, Darlington Nagbe, Diego Chara, Darren Mattocks (Ned Grabavoy 87’), Lucas Melano (Jack Barmby 78’), Fanendo Adi.
Subs not used: Wade Hamilton, Amobi Okugo, Taylor Peay, Jack Jewsbury, Jack McInerney.
Disciplinary:
COL: Eric Miller (caution) 15’
POR: Diego Chara (caution) 50’
Attendance: 18,759
Team Records:
Colorado Rapids: 9-2-6 (33 points)
Portland Timbers: 6-6-6 (24 points)
