Wilson scores to keep Rapids’ hot streak going

COMMERCE CITY» It was one for the die-hards late Friday night. A bruising game played in a rainstorm featured the Rapids stunning the first-place Los Angeles Football Club 1-0 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

The only pretty feature was a burgundy-baked Colorado sunset, and even that deteriorated into lightning, which delayed the affair for an hour. The only goal came on a Danny Wilson header in the 49th minute that was sandwiched between halftime and the lengthy holdup.

The 15,968 fans, who quickly diminished as the conditions did, were held breathless in the second half. Instead, the air was doused in raindrops that slowed the track for the highly skilled LAFC.

At times, the Rapids parked six at the back as they held on in a loyal defensive effort. In the end, Los Angeles controlled the ball for nearly two-thirds of play and generated more shots than Colorado. Still, the Rapids had just as many scoring chances and did more with them.

A post-sunset lightning storm delayed the contest for 63 minutes. The delay began in the 52nd minute, just three minutes after the Rapids had scored their goal.

Following the delay, LAFC came back onto the field with two subs and the Rapids one. Whether it was the new players or the break for weather, LAFC was able to keep up its dominating possession of the ball. But two yellow cards in their first 10 minutes after the delay and one Rapids scoring chance showed frustration was starting to get to the guests.

“We felt like we were on top of the game,” Rapids goalie Tim Howard said. “I didn’t think the rain would help. I thought they’d get heavy legs still.”

The Rapids are unbeaten in seven MLS games and are 5-3-2 in all competitions under Conor Casey. Taking over at the beginning of May, Colorado at that point was on pace to be the worst team in the history of bigtime pro soccer. Now, the Rapids are just two points out of the Western Conference’s final playoff spot.

“The team is performing well right now,” Casey said. “I feel like the staff as a whole is doing a good job, but credit to the players for putting in good performances.”

LAFC had scored 26 goals coming into Friday night and had allowed just 13 this season. The 1-0 loss to Colorado was just the third time this season LAFC has been shut out, and the second time it had been a shutout loss. For a club that was once called out by its past manager for being a bottom group of players, the Rapids snuck past one of the highest paid and best clubs in all of MLS.

“The guys were incredible,” Casey said. “Grinding out a result against one of the best teams.”

“There’s a bit of a talent gap between us and them,” Rapids center back Tommy Smith said. “But determination can make up for that.”

The Rapids have flourished offensively particularly in the corners. Part of this is because opponents have to pay extra attention to Kei Kamara, who has the most headers in MLS history. The other part is because assistant coach Chris Sharpe has done a wonderful job of drawing up plays.

“We’ve been very deadly off our set pieces,” Casey said. “We’re getting good balls in good areas.”

Jack Price left the game with what appeared to be a leg injury. The Rapids midfielder had just returned from injury but is expected to be fine. With Sam Nicholson and Jonathan Lewis unavailable, Price has become even more essential for the Rapids.

“Price is our stalwart,” Howard said. “Anytime he’s on the field, we’re a better team.”