By JOSE M. ROMERO
Chance after chance, run after run, the Colorado Rapids thwarted Real España of Honduras Tuesday night in San Pedro Sula, Honduras.
The Rapids clung to a 1-0 lead for almost 42 minutes, beneficiaries of a perfectly-placed shot by Jeff Larentowicz just before halftime. But they couldn't hang on for what would have been a big win far from home in CONCACAF Champions League group play, instead surviving with a single point from a 1-1 draw.
Julio "Palomo" Rodriguez took advantage of a bad clearance attempt from the Rapids' Kosuke Kimura, a header that went straight back into the box for Rodriguez to get airborne and shoot the ball into the net in the 87th minute.
It was a fair result, one could surmise, given the numerous scoring chances for the home side and the scant few for the visitors from the U.S.
The Rapids played without more than half of its regular lineup, and some of the inexperience showed in the backline against an attacking opponent. In the 27th minute, Ceus came out of the net to upend a Real player with no penalty called. Replays showed Ceus got more leg than ball; the Rapids evaded misfortune for the time being.
In the 30th minute, Allan Lalín soft-footed what should have been a goal that Ceus saved easily. Minutes later. Ceus blocked a much more forceful attempt from Lalín.
Alfredo Mejia hit the cross bar in the 43rd minute, then the Rapids struck with the final possession before halftime. Larentowicz used the inside of his right foot to go far post and find the goal.
Danny Earls, playing defender, cleared another too-soft shot off the line, this one by Rodriguez, in the 62nd minute. But as the match wore on in 89 percent humidity and temperatures in the 80s, Real España was the more energetic team.
That energy, particularly from Rodriguez, paid off with his late goal.
The Rapids lead their group, Group B in CCL, with four points at present. Real managed its first point in the competition.
Here are highlights from the match:
