The fairytale finale was not forthcoming for the Colorado Rapids as the Supporters’ Shield slipped from their grasp on the final day of the 2016 regular season, but more firsts were confirmed as a record-breaking regular season drew to a dramatic close.

A frustrating 1-1 home tie against bottom side Houston Dynamo left the Rapids two points adrift of FC Dallas (STANDINGS), who grabbed a goalless draw at LA Galaxy, a result which would have been enough for the Shield irrespective of the outcome at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

The outcome in Commerce City meant the Rapids became only the fifth team in MLS history to go an entire season undefeated at home (11-0-6). By conceding just the one goal the Rapids set a new league record for average goals against at home (0.41).

Despite the Rapids controlling the opening passage of play, a moment of hesitation defensively allowed the Dynamo to score for the first time in three games, with 20 minutes gone. Andrew Wenger smashed home the loose ball at the far post after Tim Howard could only parry a cross from the left.

Jared Watts, Kevin Doyle and Dominique Badji - twice - had chances to score in the opening period, but the Rapids somehow went in at the break trailing. Having looked comfortable, the Rapids were now chasing the game, and needing two goals to give themselves any chance of the Supporters’ Shield. Ahead of kickoff they needed to win and FC Dallas to lose.

Following a rather flat, nervy first half, the Rapids showed their true colors after the interval. Their dominance eventually paid off on 67 minutes when Shkëlzen Gashi scored his ninth goal of the season, but his first at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. As the game resumed, midfielder Jermaine Jones entered as a substitute for his first appearance since July 4.

Unfortunately, his presence, and the momentum of an equalizing goal was not enough for the Rapids to complete the turnaround. They can maybe count themselves a little fortunate not to have leaked at the last, with Wenger, Cristian Maidana and Will Bruin all enjoying glorious chances to shatter the unbeaten home record. At the other end, Badji bellowed to the heavens as a heavy first touch proved costly when just yards from goal in the dying moments.

A win would have been the perfect platform from which to launch their playoff push, but having Jones and Marlon Hairston healthy, and going the regular season undefeated at home is not too shabby.

The Rapids will not discover their Western Conference semifinal opponents until Wednesday or Thursday. The first leg is away next Sunday, with the return at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on November 6 (TICKETS).

BOX SCORE

Colorado Rapids 1-1 Houston Dynamo

Sunday, October 23, 2016 - Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Scoring Summary

HOU: Andrew Wenger 20’ (unassisted)

COL: Shkëlzen Gashi 67’ (Marlon Hairston, Dominique Badji)

Colorado Rapids: Tim Howard, Eric Miller, Jared Watts, Axel Sjöberg, Marc Burch; Dillon Powers, Sam Cronin (Jermaine Jones 68’); Shkëlzen Gashi, Kevin Doyle, Sebastien Le Toux (Marlon Hairston 61’); Dominique Badji.

Subs not used: Zac MacMath, Bobby Burling, Mekeil Williams, Micheal Azira, Caleb Calvert.

Houston Dynamo: Joe Willis, Sheanon Williams, Keyner Brown, Jalil Anibaba, DaMarcus Beasley, Collen Warner, Alex (Cristián Maidana 73’); Andrew Wenger, Eric Alexander, Boniek Garcia, Mauro Manotas (Will Bruin 84’).

Subs not used: Calle Brown, Abdoulie Mansally, David Horst, Jose Escalante, Yair Arboleda.

Disciplinary

HOU: Boniek Garcia 74’ (caution)

COL: Jermaine Jones 88’ (caution)

HOU: Sheanon Williams 90’+4’ (caution)

COL: Marc Burch 90’+4’ (caution)

Attendance: 18,446

Team Records

Colorado Rapids: 15-6-13 (58 points)

Houston Dynamo: 7-14-13 (34 points)