Sunday, March 23
Dick's Sporting Goods Park (Commerce City, Colo.)
12:00 PM
Omaha
at
Colorado Rapids Reserves
Mavs Grow Against MLS's Colorado Rapids
Mar 31, 2014 | Men's Soccer
In just three years as a program, Omaha men's soccer has tested itself against top 10 NCAA teams and College Cup contenders. But on March 23, the Mavericks took it to a new level, facing off at Dick's Sporting Goods Park against the Colorado Rapids. The Rapids featured a combination of first team players, reserves and Academy players, but against the Mavs they rolled out Gabriel Torres (Panama striker who led the CONCACAF Gold Cup in scoring last summer with five goals and scored twice in a 2-1 win against Mexico's National Team), Marvin Chávez (a 2012 MLS All Star and Honduran International with 37 appearances), starting goalkeeper Clint Irwin, 2014 MLS SuperDraft First Round picks Grant Van De Casteele and Marlon Hairston, and 2010 MLS SuperDraft first overall pick Danny Mwanga.
The Rapids came away with the 3-1 victory. But the opportunity to compete against some of the top professional soccer players in North America, and the confidence gained from holding Colorado scoreless over the final 60 minutes while putting one past the Rapids' starting goalkeeper was more than enough to make the trip an incredible experience for the Mavs as they look to continue to improve their win total this fall as they have each season.
"We started off nervous and gave up a few early goals but then regrouped and cut the lead in half with a great goal from Mark Moulton," Head Coach Jason Mims said. "Overall, our guys showed incredibly well and represented Omaha in a positive way. A little over two years ago we did not have a program and to think we are competing against a top professional club is a testament to where the program is headed."
The Panamanian striker Torres put Colorado on the board in the sixth minute, and Van De Casteele made it 2-0 in the 10th minute. But the Mavs settled down and cut the lead in half in the 20th minute. After a quality buildup out of the back, Xavier Gomez played a square ball in the midfield to Emir Alihodzic, who chipped the ball over the defense into the box. Moulton ran on to it and chipped it from about 18 yards out over the keeper from the right side of the box into the far corner of the net. Click here for Moulton's goal and more highlights.
The Rapids made it 3-1 soon after, but the final 60 minutes saw no goals. Omaha nearly drew within one again in the final minutes, but a penalty kick was saved by reserve goalie Joe Nasco.
"We're delighted with the quality of the competition," Rapids' Assistant Coach Steve Cooke said after the game. "It was a push for the players." Click here for Cooke's comments and highlights.
The Rapids showed their quality by going on to handle New Mexico, 2-0, a week later. The Lobos reached the 2013 NCAA final four.
"I would like to thank the Colorado Rapids and their amazing staff for the first-class treatment we were shown," Mims said. "The facilities were amazing and we are very thankful to them for receiving a great game against a top professional club in MLS. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Rapids and wish them the very best this season.”
The Rapids came away with the 3-1 victory. But the opportunity to compete against some of the top professional soccer players in North America, and the confidence gained from holding Colorado scoreless over the final 60 minutes while putting one past the Rapids' starting goalkeeper was more than enough to make the trip an incredible experience for the Mavs as they look to continue to improve their win total this fall as they have each season.
"We started off nervous and gave up a few early goals but then regrouped and cut the lead in half with a great goal from Mark Moulton," Head Coach Jason Mims said. "Overall, our guys showed incredibly well and represented Omaha in a positive way. A little over two years ago we did not have a program and to think we are competing against a top professional club is a testament to where the program is headed."
The Panamanian striker Torres put Colorado on the board in the sixth minute, and Van De Casteele made it 2-0 in the 10th minute. But the Mavs settled down and cut the lead in half in the 20th minute. After a quality buildup out of the back, Xavier Gomez played a square ball in the midfield to Emir Alihodzic, who chipped the ball over the defense into the box. Moulton ran on to it and chipped it from about 18 yards out over the keeper from the right side of the box into the far corner of the net. Click here for Moulton's goal and more highlights.
The Rapids made it 3-1 soon after, but the final 60 minutes saw no goals. Omaha nearly drew within one again in the final minutes, but a penalty kick was saved by reserve goalie Joe Nasco.
"We're delighted with the quality of the competition," Rapids' Assistant Coach Steve Cooke said after the game. "It was a push for the players." Click here for Cooke's comments and highlights.
The Rapids showed their quality by going on to handle New Mexico, 2-0, a week later. The Lobos reached the 2013 NCAA final four.
"I would like to thank the Colorado Rapids and their amazing staff for the first-class treatment we were shown," Mims said. "The facilities were amazing and we are very thankful to them for receiving a great game against a top professional club in MLS. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the Rapids and wish them the very best this season.”
Players Mentioned
Tuesday, September 01
Wednesday, August 26
Friday, August 21
Tuesday, April 21
