COMMERCE CITY — After the Seattle Sounders-Rapids game Saturday night, the stadium lights stayed on, fans did not completely empty the stands and the music continued to play.

At Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the stage was set as two other squads took the field — the Special Olympics Colorado Rapids and Special Olympics Seattle Sounders soccer teams. The players, whose ages range from 16 to 21, were introduced on the field and by the Jumbo-Tron, and the crowd sitting behind the players’ benches cheered them on.

“I feel like a professional,”said Andie Zitek, 21. “I feel like one of the Rapids.

“Making new friends is what Special Olympics is all about,” added Zitek, who has been with Special Olympics Colorado (SOCO) for two years “It’s not about wins, losses. It’s about having fun.”

Saturday’s exhibition gave the players a rare opportunity to experience the game where the pros play. Rapids defender Scott Palguta understands that feeling.

“Growing up as a kid, being a ball boy, it was huge just to be down at the sidelines, feeling like you were a part of things,” Palguta said. “Once you experience it as a youngster, you say to yourself, ‘Wow, wouldn’t it be cool if I get to do this some day?’ ”

The SOCO and Rapids organization partnered in June to make this special event possible

. Despite the Rapids’ 2-1 loss, Palguta came out to watch the exhibition match.

“Coming off of a loss, being out here kind of puts everything in perspective,” Palguta said. “As pros, we have a tendency to forget to have fun sometimes, (and) we have to find the right balance.”

Earlier last week, Palguta and a few other Rapids players helped with a SOCO practice, teaching them how to play 11-on-11 soccer.

“Being out here with these guys brings you back to your younger days,” Palguta said.

SOCO provides year-round Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities.

The organization in the state of Washington was the first to partner with its respective MLS team, the Sounders. When SOCO presented the same idea to the Rapids, they quickly jumped on board.

“For our (Special Olympics) athletes, not only to developing their soccer skills, but developing relationships with the Rapids players and the Sounders, the team from Special Olympics Washington and the front office people, it’s just been a tremendous opportunity for them in many levels,” said Mindy Waltrous, president and CEO of SOCO.

Ros Dumlao: 303-954-1295, rdumlao@denverpost.com