August 9, 2007 1:21 AM

Trying to forget about Tuesday's 5-0 loss

It is not uncommon for an underdog to win a soccer match. The structure of the game allows it. But losing 5-0 to a team one rung down the food chain, as the Rapids did Tuesday against the Seattle Sounders in the U.S. Open Cup, is humiliating.

Studies have shown that upsets are much easier to manufacture in soccer and baseball, mostly because of the low-scoring nature of the sports.

In Major League Baseball, for example, a first-place team often will lose at least once in a three- or four-game series against a last-place team.

In soccer, one problem is scoring. The fewer goals scored in a contest means more opportunities for upsets. That one funny bounce is just as likely to benefit the champs as it is the chumps.

Another problem is the difficulty in putting a team's best scorer in a position to score. In basketball, the better team has been found statistically to win at a higher rate than in any other sport because it is much easier to put the ball in the hands of the best player on the court.

But in soccer, with 20 field players in the game (and two players whose main purpose is to deny goals to the others), placing the ball on the foot or head of the best scorer on the field sometimes happens once in 90 minutes. Sometimes never.

So it's not completely surprising when Major League Soccer teams lose to minor-league teams in the U.S. Open Cup.

But what is surprising is that the Sounders overwhelmed the Rapids so badly on Tuesday. The five-goal outburst (almost six goals) by Seattle was humiliating.

The USL Web site reports that the 5-0 final score was the worst defeat in the history of the tournament.

The own goal by Ugo Ihemelu was embarrassing.

The lack of composure by the Rapids was shameful. Defender Facundo Erpen reportedly made an obscene gesture or two after receiving his second yellow of the night on a studs-up challenge.

And the fans are not happy.

The boys at Black Panther lament the Rapids' lack of class at the end of the game.

The supporters at Class VI are wearing a paper bag over their heads.

The gang at fireclavijo.com already has a list of potential replacements for the coach.

One of the blokes at collegetopros.com says that if he had to make a decision today, he wouldn't renew his season tickets.

The Rapids displayed a lack of composure, professionalism and quality on Saturday. If the front office isn't red-faced enough after Tuesday to make some significant change with this team, maybe that's the place to get the executives to notice: the pocketbook.

The Nuggets have built an exciting young team. The Avalanche are consistently in the playoffs. The Rockies are looking better than maybe they ever have. There are other options in this town for sports fans, options that involve franchises playing at a high level. Year after year, the Broncos are one of the best teams in the NFL. You can't tell me it's easier to keep a franchise near the top in the NFL than it is in MLS.

The Rapids are not only competing with other MLS franchises, they're competing in a crowded sports landscape in Denver. A beautiful new stadium isn't enough. The All-Star Game isn't enough. David Beckham visiting Commerce City isn't enough. Winning needs to become part of the equation, even though winning in soccer is not always a sure thing.

In fact, there's a lesson here: In soccer, even an outmatched squad of lesser quality can rise above the challenge and beat a superior team.

Perhaps the Rapids can use that knowledge when they resume playing against Major League Soccer teams.

Posted by George Tanner at 1:21 AM | Comments (6) | TrackBack