COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (October 28, 2018) – FC Dallas had a golden opportunity to secure a knockout round by in the 2018 MLS Cup Playoffs. After going up 1-0, they conceded two second-half goals, losing to Colorado Rapids. With that, they will have to play in the knockout round to open the playoffs. Colorado sent their fans home with something to be happy about after a terrible season.
FC Dallas blow playoff bye chance with loss at Colorado Rapids
Dallas started by attacking down their right flank at rookie Cole Bassett and Deklan Wynne. Dominique Badji and Michael Barrios both got chances but count not convert.
They opened the scoring in the 18th minute, this time attacking to their left. Dominique Badji got the ball on a good pass by Roland Lamah. He took the ball to the touchline and sent a low cross between the center backs and goalkeeper Tim Howard. Maximiliano Urruti was in perfect position and he had a tap-in goal from a yard out.
Dallas nearly got a chance at a second goal right at halftime. Lamah went down in the box after Marlon Hairston won the ball on a slide tackle. Chris Penso initially whistled for a PK but then used VAR to review it. After visiting the monitor himself, the PK was waved off.
The half ended 1-0 with nary a chance for the Rapids offensively.
The pace in the second half slowed to a halt as Dallas chose to be more defensive to protect their lead. Colorado looked to create a goal by crossing into Yannick Boli. Dallas had a few chances on corners.
The match got turned on its head in the 81st minutes when Cole Bassett snuck a ball under goalkeeper Jesse Gonzalez to tie the match. It was the first professional goal for the 17-year-old homegrown rookie.
Colorado found their winner in the 85th minute when Tommy Smith had a thumping header on a corner. The match ended 2-1 with Dallas unable to frantically get an equalizer.
Three takeaways:
Cole Bassett opens professional account: It was some moment for Bassett coming to the bench, embraced by his teammates as he scored the first goal of his young career.
Players come up short against former clubs: Kellyn Acosta and Dominique Badji played in their first match since the summer trade that sent both of them the other way. Badji was unable to get his 10th goal of the season. Acosta had a quiet game with a yellow card.
Dallas fall to knockout round: With the Decision Day results in flux, FC Dallas sat as high as second in the Western Conference. With a two-goal swing in the second half and results in Kansas City and Seattle, they are now a knockout round team. They will play at home next week, hosting Portland Timbers.
