Commerce City, CO – Darren Mattocks took advantage of a defensive error to score the lone goal of the game in a 1-0 win for Vancouver Whitecaps FC over the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Wednesday.
After a pair of early chances for the Rapids, Mattocks pounced on a poor clearance from Colorado defender Drew Moor to score his fourth goal of the season and hand Vancouver its third win in five games.
The Rapids weren't able to muster up much in attack over the second 45 minutes and have lost three of their last four matches.
It took just five minutes for the home side to generate its first chance as a cross from Luis Zapata was turned toward goal by the head of Jaime Castrillon, who narrowly missed the target.
Conor Casey was next for the Rapids and he got into a great position inside the box, but dragged his left-footed shot past the far post.
Vancouver managed to put just one shot on goal, but the Canadian side made it count after Moor's terrible clearing attempt handed Mattocks the ball with only goalkeeper Matt Pickens to beat.
It was a gift of a goal for the Whitecaps, and they spent most of the second half defending, with the only real threats coming in the final 10 minutes.
Tony Cascio worked free inside the area for low shot from a tight angle but goalkeeper Joe Cannon was able to get down and keep it out.
The final opportunity came a few minutes from time when Casey found himself open at the back post, only to head the ball wide from close range.
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