It may not have been the win we were seeking but the result on Saturday set a new high for the Colorado Rapids as they cemented a 20th regular season home game without defeat.
The previous team to get the better of the Rapids at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park, Portland in the playoffs aside, were the newcomers of 2021, Austin FC, a year ago this past weekend. That match ended in a 3-1 loss and was the only game last season in which the Rapids were defeated despite having taken the lead.
The numbers during this record-setting run are 11-0-9, with 30 goals scored and 11 conceded. Seven of William Yarbrough’s club record 13 clean sheets occurred inside DSGP.
Among the impressive results were the 5-2 win over LAFC on the final day of the regular season, a come-from-behind win over Real Salt Lake, and a 2-0 victory over Portland Timbers, though they had the last laugh, unfortunately.
The previous club best, of 19 unbeaten home games (12-0-7), began with a Marco Pappa-inspired 1-0 win over LA Galaxy on March 12, 2016, and was ended by Real Salt Lake on April 15, 2017.
That RSL defeat was a gut-punch of a reversal, with the Rapids leading 1-0 through a 29th minute Kevin Doyle goal, only for Jared Watts to handle in the area five minutes from time. RSL converted the spot kick, then snatched a winner three minutes later.
With a new club record in the books, perhaps the Rapids can now set their sights on the MLS high, which stands at 30!
Houston Dynamo set the record with a 1-1 draw against the Rapids on April 28, 2013. Drew Moor scored for the Rapids in stoppage-time at the end of the first half, only for Giles Barnes to level midway through the second half.
The only consolation in the Rapids being the team to help Houston set the league record was that it allowed the Dynamo to beat the number set by Real Salt Lake (29) between 2009-11.
Now, before the Rapids consider targeting the Dynamo, they have four teams within reach. Columbus Crew and Portland Timbers once went 22 home games undefeated. LA Galaxy had a 23-game unbeaten stint, while Sporting Kansas City went one better.
Incidentally, RSL’s 29-game run began with a 1-1 draw at home to the Rapids on June 6, 2009. Yura Movsisyan handed RSL the lead with 11 minutes remaining. RSL’s Robbie Russell was sent off for a second bookable offense, before Omar Cummings struck in the 88th.
It was a similar story for Columbus and their 22-game streak. This started with a home game against the Rapids on June 28, 2008. On that occasion, the Rapids lost 2-1. Nick LaBrocca scored for the Rapids, either side of goals from current Paraguay head coach, Guillermo Barros Schelotto, and Nigerian midfielder, Emmanuel Ekpo.
A record such as this must be viewed as more than just a healthy number. It indicates that your home venue is a tough place to play. The longer the record is maintained, the more the opposition coming in will have that at the back of their mind.
DICK’S Sporting Goods Park has seen the side go 20 regular season home games unbeaten. This Saturday the hope is that record can be extended with a much-needed win, against the last opponents to win in Commerce City.
Yes, the Portland Timbers. We owe you.
See you Saturday.
