Colorado Rapids 1 at 1 Real Salt Lake

This was typical derby game. Pedigrees did not seem to matter just heart and desire. And on the day it did seem like the rookies of Colorado Dershon Brown wanted it more. At least more than RSL was expecting.

The day got of to a auspicious start for Colorado as Pablo Masteroni was ruled out to start, and then just five minutes into the match veteran goal keeper Matt Pickens broke his forearm after getting it right in front of the head of RSL CB Kwame Watson-Siriobe.  Pickens had to be subbed out and Rookie Clint Irwin made his debut.

The first half went somewhat according to script for the home team whom dominated possession at 70%. However they only managed 2 shots on goal to Dershon Browns 3 on frame and one Goal. The score came when Brown stole the ball of the feet of Chris Schuler took two touches at pace and blasted into the net past Nick Rimando. Brown almost got another when he was able to get between the two center back's, who struggled all day, but hit his shot right at Rimando.

The second half was much better from RSL. They maintain sustained pressure on the Colorado goal. Saborio was finally able to slot home the equalizer off a perfect pass from Plata. Even after going to three in the back, dropping left back Lovell Palmer for rookie forward Devon Sandoval, RSL was not able to get a winner.

Overall RSL will be disapointed in the inabilty to put more than one goal on the board. As well as only having one scorer this season. Although this was by far the most involved Robbie Findley had been since his return to Nottingham Forrest. His substitition, in favor of Jaoa Plata seemed cruel as Findley was by far the most active player in the attack, with RSL playing in early balls behind the defense for him to run onto. More troubling for RSL was the struggle of center back tandem of Schuler and Watson-Siriboe. Whether it was nerves of a home opener against rival Colorado, a lack of communication (between themselves and with goalkeeper Rimando), the tenacity of the opposing forwards, or being rattled after the freak injury and unnecessary yellow card to Watson-Siriboe, the RSL defense was shaky all match. In general, although parts of the game plan have improved with all three games, RSL has yet to really meet in season form.

For Colorado it is a third straight match of talking about goalkeeping. The first match saw Ceus mistake lead to a goal. Veteran Pickens was ruled healthy enough to start again in week two, but also saw the game marked by his mistakes. Today Pickens had to leave within five minutes it opened the door for youngster Irwin who did not disappoint. Irwin easily put in the best shift between the pipes for the Rapids this season. This year so far has been all about youth for the Rapids with Dershon Brown, Dillion Powers and now looking like Clint Irwin leading the team.