May 28, 1998
Mile High Stadium
Denver, CO
(excerpted from Live Game Update scrolling marquee of SoccerNews OnLine)
Colorado Rapids Coach, "Mooch" Myernick, has a new starting lineup. He is starting Hahnemann in goal, with defenders Trittschuh, Martinez, Vermes, and Digiamarino. In the midfield, he has Jakins, Boyce, Paz, and Paule. At forward, he has Bravo and Harris. On the bench, are Marquinho, Waldir, and Chris Henderson. Hopefully, this combination will turn things around.
Coach Myernick is obviously making a statement, that you are only as good as your last game. So far, Marquinho has not dominated the midfield in any game, and Waldir, who also has great skills, has not been able to successfully challenge and penetrate the bigger and stronger defenders in the MLS.
With the exception of three near misses by the Colorado Rapids, the game has been back and forth for the first 30 minutes. Jason Boyce, filling in for Chris Henderson, is demonstrating his speed and skills.
Miami's Matt Kmosko received applause from the Colorado fans. He was a favorite last year for the Western Division Champions, the Colorado Rapids. Paul Bravo has been knocking on Miami's door, with one attack after the other. Colorado's Ross Paule took a long hard shot on goal, but it was saved by Miami's GK, Jeff Cassar. At the end of the 1st half, the score is 0 - 0.
In the 2nd half ... Colorado Substitution, Chris Henderson in for Jason Boyce. Finally, in the 53rd minute, Colorado's Taj Jakins headed the ball to Bravo, who scored with a header. Rapids lead 1 - 0 ...
In the 66th minute, Colorado's Marquis White substituted in for Wolde Harris. Miami's Tamashiro substitues in the 70th minute. Tamashiro was the former teammate of Marquinho and Waldir Saenz, when all three played for Alianza Lima in Peru.
Colorado's Marquinho in for Ross Paule in the 80th minute.
Goal by Paz on an assist from Marquinho in the 85th minute. Colorado Rapids now lead 2 - 0.
Marquis White's goal in the 87th minute on an assist from Paz. Colorado leads 3 - 0.
FINAL: Colorado 3 Miami 0