August 29, 1996
Mile High Stadium Attendance reported=6368

Sadly, the Colorado Rapids lost at home against DC United 2-1 in a do or die, must win game. With only 3 remaining games, the Rapids may just as well start focusing on their next season, as their chances of making the playoffs has now slipping away. The desire to win was not visible as it should have been throughout the game. Players were walking with their heads down.

In the 3rd minute, the 1st goal for DC United was picture perfect. John Harkes out maneuvered the Rapids defense and made a perfect cross to Shawn Medved who headed it past GK Chris Woods and into the net. The Rapids tied the game with an equally great goal when Raimo deVries(on loan from the USISL) beat the DC United defense, and crossed the ball to Jean Harbor who quickly scored the equalizer.

In the 49th minute, DC United's Jeff Agoos hit a corner kick to teammate Tony Sanneh who passed it to Steve Rammel in the middle of a crowded Rapids box. Rammel's score ended up being the winning goal.

The game continued, and with 15 minutes left, the Rapids system of attack never changed. No players moved up to increase the pressure on DC United and increase the chances of the Rapids scoring the badly needed equalizer. Unfortunately, the back 4 remained back, and the team intensity remained the same. Some of Chris Henderson's drive, intensity, and excitement needed to rub off against the rest of the team.

In all fairness, with Balboa, Wegerle, and Bartlett missing, it was hard for Coach Houghton to field a cohesive squad to take advantage of the missing Etchivery and win the game.

Of the remaining 3 games for the Rapids, only one is a home game (vs San Jose). They need to play hard from when the game begins. They need to want to win, if there is any hope at all for the last 3 games.