The Colorado Rapids didn't take home the Supporters’ Shield on the final day of the MLS regular season. But they can claim the best home record in franchise history.
A 1-1 home tie against the Houston Dynamo Sunday left the Rapids two points below FC Dallas, who ended the season with a 0-0 draw against the LA Galaxy. So Dallas wins the Shield while the Rapids finish in 2nd place in MLS.
But the big news is the Rapids became only the fifth team in MLS history to go an entire season undefeated at home (11-0-6). By conceding just the one goal the Rapids set a new league record for average goals against at home (0.41).
The Rapids were down a goal to Houston Sunday until the second half. Shkëlzen Gashi scored his ninth goal of the season, but his first at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. It was tied 1-1 and as the game resumed, midfielder Jermaine Jones entered as a substitute for his first appearance since July 4.
Unfortunately, his presence, and the momentum of an equalizing goal was not enough for the Rapids to complete the turnaround.
A win would have been the perfect platform too launch their playoff push, but having Jones and Marlon Hairston healthy, and going the regular season undefeated at home is not too shabby.
The Rapids will not discover their Western Conference semifinal opponents until Wednesday or Thursday. The first leg is away next Sunday, with the return at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on November 6