Ralston's return sparks Revs in draw with Rapids

Midfielder starts for New England, matches Casey's goal in 1-1 tie

Conor Casey (R) scored in the third minute, giving Colorado an early lead over New England. (Getty)

Conor Casey opened scoring in the third minute after Jordan Harvey flighted in a cross from the left side. Steve Ralston equalized from the penalty spot in the 18th minute after Ugo Ihemelu scissored the Revolution striker to the ground.

Both sides were willing to attack in an open game, but the Rapids had the better of the chances and might feel unfortunate to leave with only a point.

Revolution head coach Steve Nicol made two changes from the side that drew 1-1 in Chicago. Matt Reis dropped out of the squad after suffering a concussion on Wednesday. Brad Knighton started his fifth game of the season in Reis' place. Nicol made room for the returning Steve Ralston by dropping Kheli Dube to the bench.

After a bye week, the Rapids returned to the field looking to maintain the momentum gained from a 2-0 win against Real Salt Lake on May 2. Rapids coach Gary Smith was forced into one change with Terry Cooke away tending to a personal matter. Mehdi Ballouchy came into central midfield, while Nick LaBrocca shifted out to the right.

That momentum at least carried the Rapids through the first three minutes when two chances led to the opening goal. Colin Clark's cross from the end line fell to Ballouchy at the far post, but the Moroccan watched Knighton scrambled the ball off the line. Knighton could do nothing after Jordan Harvey crossed from the left side and Casey looped a header into the net as he fell backwards.

Ihemelu presented the Revs with a gilt-edged opportunity after eight minutes. Ihemelu's carelessness on the ball allowed Ralston a chance, but Kosuke Kimura's recovery run cut out the run.

No one could save Ihemelu as he conceded a penalty kick for a tackle on Ralston. Chris Tierney carved out some space on the left and flighted a cross into a dangerous spot. Ihemelu caught Ralston with a sliding tackle as the pair fought for the cross. Ralston stepped up, dusted himself off and dispatched the resulting penalty in the lower left-hand corner.

The match continued to entertain the neutrals as both sides placed more emphasis on passing and possession rather than denying opposing scoring opportunities.

That changed nine minutes before the break after the active Clark drew the attention of the Revolution defense and slid the ball in behind them. Ballouchy's well-timed run allowed him to collect the pass, but Knighton foiled Ballouchy's low shot to the far post. Ballouchy had a subsequent effort blocked down by New England defender Emmanuel Osei as the half drew to a close.

Colorado started the better of the two sides in the second stanza as Clark continued to cause problems for the Revolution down the left side and Ballouchy found space in the middle of the park.

Ballouchy created another chance for Casey in the 60th minute after a poor clearance allowed the playmaker to slide a ball through the Revs defense. Casey latched onto it, but couldn't get himself turned enough to drive it to the far post. Knighton made the routine save.

New England threatened soon afterwards as a Darrius Barnes long throw sailed through the Colorado penalty area without a touch. Tierney collected the throw and lobbed a cross back to the other post. Joseph met the looper, but Pickens went side to side to push the header over the post.

Colorado pushed forward in the late stages, but had to settle for a point as the Revs managed to hold firm in the face of the pressure.

Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com.

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