Nyassi’s Rapids Forced to a Draw

FOROYAA Newspaper (Serrekunda)

Sulayman Bah

24 May 2011

Sanna Nyassi’s Colorado was forced to a stalemate encounter with Toronto FC last Sunday while Sanna came on a substitute.

The combination of a Major League Soccer team that hasn’t won in three weeks (Toronto FC) and one that hasn’t lost in a month (Colorado) usually plays in favor of the team on a roll.

But that wasn’t how things played out Sunday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Toronto FC mucked up the game a bit, the Rapids couldn’t find the back of the net and the game ended in a 0-0 draw.

“We kind of feel like we left some points on the table there,” said Rapids goalkeeper Matt Pickens, who made three saves. “We didn’t get enough good scoring opportunities at home. When we’re at home we want three points, and I think we worked pretty hard on the road to come back here and get rewarded with a home game. I think we just kind of left two points on the board.”

Said Rapids coach Gary Smith: “Toronto came with a good plan and there were spells where we looked very sharp, counterattacked very well. One or two individuals may lack a bit of experience, but have got some nice technical ability. And it wasn’t until late that we could really impress ourselves on the game.”

The match was downright frustrating at times. That was the case with what appeared to be an obvious takedown of Rapids forward Quincy Amarikwa in the box, which would have resulted in a penalty kick in stoppage time in the first half.

A furious Smith stated his case as he walked match referee Abiodun Okulaja to the locker room at the conclusion of the first half. But to no avail.

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