HONOLULU, Hawaii (Tuesday, February 21, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids took a 2-1 win over Hawaii Pacific University in a 60-minute scrimmage on Tuesday morning on the University of Hawaii practice fields as the team prepares for its participation in the Hawaiian Islands Invitational. The Rapids got goals from Andre Akpan and Scott Palguta before giving up a goal to HPU just before the final whistle.
The first 30-minute half ended scoreless, with the Rapids holding most of the possession but failing to capitalize. In the second half, Colorado was much more dangerous and broke through when Akpan controlled the ball in the box in traffic and hit a left footed shot to break the deadlock. Minutes later, the Rapids doubled their lead when Steven Emory headed the ball down to Palguta off a set piece, and the defender volleyed home from 15 yards.
The Rapids continued the pressure and almost got a third goal when Josh Janniere crossed to Quincy Amarikwa, whose bicycle kick hit the post before bouncing clear. On the resulting counterattack, Hawaii Pacific University managed a goal on the last play of the game. A breakdown in the Rapids defense allowed an HPU player in alone on the goalkeeper, and the forward rounded Colorado keeper Joel Helmick to score.
The Rapids will open their participation in the Hawaiian Islands Invitational on Thursday night against Yokohama F.C. of Japan at 8:30 p.m. HT, with the team’s second match of the tournament against either Melbourne Heart FC of Australia or Busan I’Park FC of South Korea on Saturday. More information is available at www.HawaiianIslandsInvitational.com or www.ColoradoRapids.com.
Scoring Summary:
COL – Andre Akpan (unassisted) 46'
COL – Scott Palguta (Steven Emory) 52'
HPU – 60'
Colorado Rapids – Ian Joyce (Joel Helmick 31), George Brislen-Hall (Quincy Amarikwa 50), Scott Palguta, Eddie Ababio, Ross LaBauex, Joseph Nane, Steven Emory, Kohei Yamada (Davy Armstrong 46), Dillon Serna, Andre Akpan, Josh Janniere
