COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, February 22, 2013) – The Colorado Rapids played to a 0-0 draw in a 75-minute scrimmage with the University of California Santa Barbara (UCSB) on Friday night in the first game of a doubleheader at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara. The best chance of the match came after 58 minutes, when a scrum in the box resulted in Rapids trialist forward Cesar Romero getting a shot off, which hit the post.
UCSB had the better of play in a quiet first half, and could’ve been up a goal after just 90 seconds when a forward got into the box but placed his shot just wide. Colorado forward Andre Akpan got the best look for the visitors just before halftime, but his left-footed shot from 18 yards was high and wide.
The second half was much more open, with Colorado dominating play and quality chances coming for both teams. The Rapids had more opportunities, with Akpan, Romero and trialist David Cortes all getting good looks at goal, but failing to hit the net. On the other end of the field, recently signed goalkeeper Clint Irwin held strong on a few UCSB chances, including a stop on a breakaway in the 63rd minute. Trialist midfielder Machael David played the full 75 minutes for the Rapids against his former university team. Davy Armstrong (picture above), played his first preseason match after missing the last few weeks with back spasms.
Tonight’s scrimmage against UCSB was played immediately before an exhibition match against the LA Galaxy.
Scoring Summary:
None
Disciplinary Summary:
COL – Davy Armstrong 70 (caution)
Colorado Rapids lineup: Clint Irwin, Davy Armstrong, Marcello Castro^, Brenton Griffiths^, Anthony Wallace, Machael David, Nathan Sturgis, David Cortes, Cesar Romero, Stefano Pinho^, Andre Akpan
^Unsigned draft pick
Trialist/Guest player
