COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – It’s been different games but the same script between the Colorado Rapids and FC Dallas this season at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. After conceding an opening goal to Dallas midfielder Fabian Castillo, the Rapids found a late equalizer, this time from Dillon Serna, as the two sides played out Friday night’s 1-1 result.
Serna made his first MLS start since the season opener against Philadelphia, and the 21-year-old carried on the form from his two goal performance on Tuesday in the US Open Cup.
Serna propelled the Rapids attack in the first half, leading Colorado with three shots, including a left-footed attempt which was saved by Dallas goalkeeper Dan Kennedy in the 18th minute.
With Drew Moor inserted at left back, the Rapids defense fared well, limiting Dallas to four shots in the opening stanza (zero on target). Castillo, who scored the lone goal for Dallas in the teams’ previous meeting, a 1-1 draw at Colorado back in April, was limited to just one shot in the first half.
Despite concerted attacking efforts from both sides, the game remained scoreless at the break.
Dallas’ best chance to break the deadlock came in the 48th minute, when a bobbled save by Rapids goalkeeper Clint Irwin and failed clearance by Jared Watts fell to the foot of Castillo, who pushed his shot well left of the mark.
Castillo would eventually have his way however, breaking the deadlock in the 71st minute with a curling shot fired from the left side of Colorado’s 18-yard box, giving Dallas the 1-0 lead.
Just as Castillo would find himself in the spotlight, so would Serna. On a cross from Moor, the Rapids' Homegrown player would find the equalizer in the 88th minute, leveling the score at 1-1.
With the draw, Colorado remain at the bottom of the Western Conference and will head to the Citrus Bowl for a midweek clash against Orlando City. Dallas, currently in 4th place in the West, return to Toyota Stadium next Friday to host the Houston Dynamo in another Texas Derby clash.
