10 Shot - 2013 MLS LA Galaxy at Colorado Rapids

By CarlAuer

July 28, 2013

Wow, what a difference from a year ago. Last season, Dick’s Sporting Goods Park was packed with over 18,000 screaming fans. Saturday night? Just over 15,000, but it looked at times like it was more like 8,000 people. The difference? The LA Galaxy lost one superstar, a guy named David Beckham, as he headed back across the pond to the UK after last season, and the revitalized Landon Donovan is away preparing for Sunday’s USMNT championship game in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Panama.

It was a nice night for Colorado Rapids fans though. Former Rapids captain Pablo Mastroeni, who spent the last 12 seasons with the Rapids until he was traded to the Galaxy after the first 7 games of the season. As he was introduced as a starter for LA, the fans in attendance gave him a standing ovation. He got another standing ovation as he was pulled from the game for a substitution in the second half. It was a nice tribute to someone who has meant so much for the Rapids organization for so many years.

The Burgundy Boys found the back of the net twice, once, late in the first half, and again early in the second half and held the Galaxy scoreless. This was a key win for the Rapids as it moved them from looking in to the top 5 and a playoff position all the way to 2nd place in the Western Conference. Next up, the 3rd game of the Rocky Mountain Cup against the first place Real Salt Lake.

Now to the photos.

Another photo I want to try to get an iconic shot of is the teams entering the pitch for the game. I think actually if I shot this from the stands it might work a little better.

July 27th, 2013 - The LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids are led out onto the pitch by the officials prior to the start of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO — July 27th, 2013 – The LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids are led out onto the pitch by the officials prior to the start of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

Even though he is the head coach of the Galaxy, it is always a joy to be standing a few feet away from the legendary Bruce Arena.

July 27th, 2013 - LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena during the National Anthem before the start of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO — July 27th, 2013 – LA Galaxy head coach Bruce Arena during the National Anthem before the start of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

I was able to get a few good header shots tonight, this one courtesy of Marvell Wynne.

July 27th, 2013 - Colorado Rapids defender Marvell Wynne (22) elevates to head the ball in the first half of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO — July 27th, 2013 – Colorado Rapids defender Marvell Wynne (22) elevates to head the ball in the first half of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

Not a lot of good battles in front of me like previous games, but there were a few that popped up.

July 27th, 2013 - Colorado Rapids forward Deshorn Brown (26) attempts to drive the ball past LA Galaxy midfielder Pablo Mastroeni (6) and defender Todd Dunivant (2) in the first half of action in the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO — July 27th, 2013 – Colorado Rapids forward Deshorn Brown (26) attempts to drive the ball past LA Galaxy midfielder Pablo Mastroeni (6) and defender Todd Dunivant (2) in the first half of action in the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

I guess you could call this a facer instead of a header.

July 27th, 2013 - Colorado Rapids forward Edson Buddle (9) takes the ball to his face as he rises above the LA Galaxy players in the first half of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO — July 27th, 2013 – Colorado Rapids forward Edson Buddle (9) takes the ball to his face as he rises above the LA Galaxy players in the first half of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

Pablo Mastroeni got quite a few touches, but here, Sturgis ended up putting him on the grass and forced a turnover.

July 27th, 2013 - Former Colorado Rapids captain and current LA Galaxy midfielder Pablo Mastroeni (6) attempts to bring the ball past Colorado Rapids midfielder Nathan Sturgis (24) in the second half of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO — July 27th, 2013 – Former Colorado Rapids captain and current LA Galaxy midfielder Pablo Mastroeni (6) attempts to bring the ball past Colorado Rapids midfielder Nathan Sturgis (24) in the second half of the Major League Soccer match between the LA Galaxy and the Colorado Rapids at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, CO

I got really excited when I saw this play setting up. I really thought it was going to be my first MLS bicycle kick, until Shane O’Neill stopped Villarreal.