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Findley's late goal knocks Rapids out of the playoff picture

Oct 21, 2007 - 5:43 AM COMMERCE CITY, Colorado (Ticker) -- Robbie Findley scored the lone goal in the 87th minute as Real Salt Lake posted a 1-0 victory over the Colorado Rapids in the season finale for both teams on Saturday.

With the loss, the Rapids (9-13-8) were eliminated from postseason contention. Colorado came into the night needing a win and a loss by either Kansas City or Chicago to make the playoffs.

"Tonight, we came out on the short end of the stick," Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo said. "It's tough when you have a team sitting, waiting for you. ... It was a matter of time until they were going to create chances. ... We didn't come here to tie the game. We didn't get into the playoffs because of today's defeat."

Kansas City defeated FC Dallas, 2-0, on Saturday, while Chicago plays Los Angeles on Sunday.

It was the team-leading eighth goal of the season for Findley, who ended Colorado's hopes.

"The difference in tonight's game was that they finished once and we didn't," Rapids midfielder Jovan Kirovski said. "You can create all the chances in the world but if you don't put the ball in the back of the net, you can't win. We had problems scoring all year. It was our nemesis all season and today."

With the game scoreless, Real Salt Lake midfielder Andy Williams crossed the ball into the penalty. Findley just beat Rapids goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul to the ball and put a right-footed shot into the lower left corner of the net to give the visitors the win.

"It feels particularly good because we put a lot of focus and tension into this game," RSL coach Jason Kreis said. It's one of those instances where you get everybody to focus on one goal and, to go out there and complete it, (that) feels very good. We wanted to go into the offseason having won something. I think this leaves a good feeling with the guys and helps us move forward.

"(Findley) did exactly what we told him to do. I told him he was going to get maybe one good chance to score, and he did."

Goalkeeper Nick Rimando made six saves for his seventh shutout of the season for Real Salt Lake (6-15-9).