April 4, 1998
Mile High Stadium
Denver, CO
Colorado Rapids' home game opener was full of anticipation from a croud of almost 20,000 at Denver's Mile High Stadium.
The all blond haired Colorado Rapids had a great start. They began with a series of one touch passes followed by a great shot on goal by Ross Paule. Luckily, LA Galaxy's goalkeeper, Kevin Hartman, saved the goal by punching the ball down.
New Rapids aquisition, Waldir Saenz, worked very hard demonstrating his quickness and touch. His obvious skills, at times, seemed too quick for his teammates. It was not until Marquinho entered the game in the 66th minute that Saenz started to be extremely dangerous. Saenz and his teammates still need a few games to get used to each other's timing. When that happens, the combination of Saenz/Marquinho will prove to be the knockout punch against their opponents. It is clear to see what Rapids' Coach, Mooch Myernick had in mind when he recruited Brazilian star, Marquinho, and Peruvian star, Waldir Saenz. Combined with veteran Paul Bravo, the three can create a very productive triangle.
Marcelo Balboa had a relatively poor game. From the start of the game, LA Galaxy's Danny Pena wacked him numerous times, dropping him several times until Pena was ejected after his second yellow card. Balboa was tentative in his touch and timing all night. The World Cup star did not capitalize on his opportunities, and it was obvious that he did not want to be hit again.
Throughout the game, the Colorado Rapids created more goal scoring opportunities than the LA Galaxy. However, in the 28th minute, LA's Cobi Jones won the ball, raced towards the Rapids' goal, and passed the ball to teammate Ezra Hendrickson. Ezra made a brilliant chip pass to an unmarked Welton, who power headed the ball into the net, scoring the only goal of the game.
The Rapids earned many scoring opportunities, but were unable to put the ball in the net. Even Marquinho's free kick hit the cross bar. They outplayed the LA Galaxy throughout the game, but it was (Brazilian) Welton's goal that decided the outcome of the game.