Injured Price carried off field
Rapids captain was a second-half substitute when he got injured
The second half of the Colorado Rapids game Saturday night at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park started out so promising. It ended in pain.
The Rapids fell to Minnesota United 2-1 and lost their captain Jack Price to what can only be considered a heartbreaking loss, as he had to be carried off the pitch shortly after coming on as a substitute.
“We got through most of ( pre- season) feeling like we were in pretty good shape, but over the last few weeks more injuries keep popping up and it’s obviously disappointing and disruptive,” Rapids head coach Robin Fraser said. “… It’s shocking, it also feels like this is the way this season is going so far.”
Fraser was asked shortly after on a status update on Price, and said team officials haven’t had imaging as of his post-game interview and while the severity of the injury hadn’t been confirmed, he added “It certainly doesn’t appear to be good.”
Colorado made four changes from the loss against San Jose, as Anthony Markanich got the start for Alex Gersbach and Sam Nicholson for Keegan Rosenberry with both players out with hamstring injuries.
Colorado created five shots in the first half, as Michael Barrios and Connor Ronan each had solid efforts on goal after both had half-chances but were unable to finish.
The goal-less drought was at last broken in the 49th minute of the second half. Off of an overhit cross from Michael Barrios, Littleton native Cole Bassett did it on his own, as he spun past a defender and quickly fired a shot that hit the far post and bounced in. That ended a span of 319 minutes without a goal to start the season.
Even with his goal, Bassett was precise and cutting in what he felt needs to be different about the offensive chances. He needs his teammates to feel the same sense of offensive urgency.
“We’re very slow once we’re in that pocket (of space) and aren’t really going anywhere. So I think there needs to be more of that execution and more guys going forward and taking risks,” Bassett said after the game. “I mean, yeah, as the season goes along we’re gonna get better at it. Guys are gonna get better connections of more people finding the spots and the timing of things, but, we don’t have all season to be waiting for this.”
The Rapids’ lead lasted just five minutes.
In the 53rd minute, a handball was called on a cross into the box on Danny Wilson. The Loons were able to convert on the penalty kick as Luis Amarilla sent William Yarbrough the wrong way.
Tied at 1-1, Robin Fraser brought on a pair of substitutes in Rubio and Price in the 61st minute. Shortly after, Wilson nearly had a shot at redemption as his header off of a Price set piece hit the crossbar, while Markanich’s half-volley fizzed wide.