Fabián Espíndola’s 80th-minute goal salvaged a point as D.C. United came from behind to tie the Colorado Rapids 1-1 in the team’s regular season home opener at RFK Stadium on Sunday night.
The Argentine forward, who earlier this week celebrated the birth of his daughter, had an immediate impact on the game after entering as a substitute in the 60th minute, providing fresh legs and creativity up front. Despite the Rapids taking the lead off a Dillon Powers header in the 69th minute, Espíndola continued to bring energy to the Black-and-Red attack and was rewarded after ten minutes on the pitch when he was able to capitalize on a defensive error and score his first goal of the 2016 MLS campaign.
After an even first ten minutes of play where both sides came out looking to gain an early lead, United started to gain the front foot midway through the first half. With some nice strings of attack-minded possession and aggressive play going forward, the Black-and-Red looked the livelier of the two sides for much of the period before the break, but had difficulty finding a clear path to goal.
New signing Patrick Nyarko was particularly impressive in the first half, combining well with teammates up the wing and drawing a number of fouls with dangerous dribbling runs. In the 18th minute, Nyarko looked to be in on goal as he wrongfooted Rapids defender Jared Watts on the left side of the box, but Watts slowed the winger down with a late tackle that earned him a yellow card. Lamar Neagle’s subsequent free kick was palmed over the crossbar by Rapids goalkeeper Zac MacMath.
In the 30th minute, the Rapids nearly got on the board. A deflected cross into the penalty area caused problems for United’s defense. After bouncing around in the box, the ball fell to Rapids striker Kevin Doyle, whose sliding effort hit the post before United goalkeeper Travis Worra parried it away for a corner.
United continued to apply the pressure as the first half wore on. In the 34th minute, a penetrating ball from Sean Franklin once again found Nyarko in an advanced position. The winger found Luciano Acosta, who subsequently laid it off for Nick DeLeon, but the midfielder’s shot was deflected. In the 40th minute, after executing a great turn in midfield, Chris Rolfe played Neagle in on goal, but the Washington state native's low shot was saved by MacMath.
The half time break seemed to help the Rapids. Dominique Badji, in particular, looked active in the early going of the second half. In the 53rd minute, he drew a foul at the edge of the box, and Marco Pappa’s resulting free kick flew just over the crossbar. Minutes later, defender Mekeil Williams curled a dangerous effort just wide of the far post from the right side of the box.
United came close on a couple of chances in the following minutes. First, Luciano Acosta’s excellently-disguised through ball nearly connected with Nick DeLeon as the midfielder sliced through the Rapids defense with a dangerous run. Shortly thereafter, United Designated Player Espíndola entered the game for Acosta, and the MLS veteran turned the game around. After Powers scored nine minutes into Espíndola's introduction, the left-footed wily Argentine showed his class. He was fluid in his movement, varying his runs and popping up in space throughout the final third. When Taylor Kemp swung in a brilliant ball from the left, which MacMath couldn't hold on to and Nyarko's attempt was blocked off the line, it was Espíndola who was perfectly placed to fire home from eight yards.
In the remaining ten minutes, the Argentine was a nuisance, serving dangerous crosses and finding Costa Rican Álvaro Saborío with a beautifully chipped pass, but the big forward's header was saved by MacMath.
United, now with a two-game unbeaten streak (albeit two draws), host FC Dallas at RFK Stadium on Saturday, March 26 at 5:30 PM on ABC 7. Tickets are available here.
