Baldomero Toledo is keeping his whistle quiet, refusing penalty shouts for both teams as MLS Cup finishes its first half hour scoreless. And as the style adjusts to be more physical, we wait for Dallas to adjust. Until they do, Jeff Larentowicz is going to be able to control the midfield, as he has done throughout the match's first 30 minutes.
MLS Cup Final, FC Dallas Vs. Colorado: Rapids Denied Penalty Shout
But the big story as we approach half time is the penalty Toledo denied for Colorado. Conor Casey and Jair Benitez were the players involved, battling for a ball to the left of Kevin Hartman's goal. Both layers went to ground, and as Casey got up, Benitez appear to kick out with his right leg. That flail didn't make contact, but the second one might have, Beintez's left leg sweeping toward Casey, seemingly taking the Rapids striker down.
As with most penalty shouts, there are two sides to the story. A camera along the byline saw Casey seemingly kick-out for contract with Benitez. Just as it was unclear that Benitez made contact with his left leg, it was unclear Casey touched Benitez. Still, Casey went down and appealed, unsuccessfully.
Dallas had had their own penalty appeal denied 10 minutes earlier, with Brek Shea brought down in the Colorado area. In general, Dallas has been less responsive to the physical nature of the game.
Meanwhile, Dallas is close to replacing right back Jackson, who will have to leave the game with a hip injury. After 34 minutes, MLS Cup is still 0-0.
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