April 12, 1997
The COLORADO RAPIDS make a galant effort against the MLS Defending Champion, DC UNITED, but lose an exciting game 5-2.
DC United led the game with 2 goals by Arce, the 1st assisted by Harkes, and the 2nd by Etcheverry. The Colorado Rapids answered DC United with 2 of its own goals. The 1st was in the 29th minute, with a fabulous shot by Chris Henderson, assisted by Bartlett. The 2nd was in the 38th minute by Peter Vermes, assisted by Bartlett again. The 1st half ended with a 2-2 score.
In the 2nd half, DC United came out playing a very physical game, and received 2 yellow cards. Referee Ali Saheli took control of the game, and succeeded in getting both teams back to playing soccer.
In the 51st minute, Rapids GK Grafer, in a one-on-one with DC's Moreno, tripped him. This resulted in a Penalty Kick and a 3rd goal for Arce, which earned him the MLS' 1st "Hat Trick" of the 1997 Season.
In the 76th minute, Moreno, thru individual effort, dribbled thru several Rapids defenders, shot the ball over GK Grafer's shoulder, and into the net.
DC United was very effective in quickly closing in on the ball, making it difficult for the Rapids to mount many serious attacks. In addition, Eddie Pope was great on DC's defense, as he repeatedly stole the ball from the Rapids attackers.
DC United's 5th goal was scored by Arce from another assist by Etcheverry. This was Arce's 4th goal in a single game, setting a new MLS record.
The Colorado Rapids' defense, which played very well in the 1st half, seemed to be outmatched in the 2nd half. Vermes and Balboa were the most effective defenders. In the Midfield, DC's Etcheverry had no match. He was magic on the ball, and continued to make his incredible passes. On the outside, Chris Henderson and Adrian Paz were both fast, skilled, and effective. Up front was another story. Wegerle was ineffective, and Bartlett managed both of the Rapids' assists. Wolde Harris was sorely missed. He was away with his Jamaican National Team in their World Cup Qualification game against Mexico.
In coaching, both DC United's Arena and Rapids' Myernick were head-to-head in the 1st half. However, in the 2nd half, Arena outfoxed Myernick by swinging his two outside Midfielders in. This appeared to confuse and overpower the Rapids center midfielders and defenders, resulting in 3 unanswered goals.
Coach Myernick has done a great job of assembling a "new" team. He has added the needed "Latin" flavor in the Midfield, and Wolde Harris who can "smell the net". Harris' spectacular goal in the Rapids' first game is sure to be one of the best in the MLS this season. In the Defense, Myernick brought in Peter Vermes...a great addition. Both new Goalkeepers, Grafer and Hanneman are good additions. Good job Mooch!
Even though the game was very entertaining, attendance continues to plague the Colorado Rapids. Only 4000 came.