Yet again the Rapids played flat in the first half, only this time they continued it into the second half, eventually losing to the Village People 2-1.
Despite what the Post said on Friday Christian Gomez was not available for this game, leading Clavijo to use the 4-4-2 'empty bucket' formation we saw much of last year. Much like last year, it wasn't successful. After a PK goal by Columbus the Rapids came back quickly on a great shot from outside the box by Nick LaBrocca that Hesmer could not deflect far enough. The Rapids looked like they might get out of Columbus with a point, but then Ekpo made a 50-yard unchallenged run with the ball that ended with a shot that Bouna Time! got a hand on, but couldn't push wide. The Rapids pressed for the tying goal late, but would come up short.
Keys to the Game review:
- Has Clavijo lost the team? At this point last year as we descended into our 10-game win less streak it was obvious that nobody cared about playing for him any more. Has that happened again?
I hate to say it, but it looks like the team has given up on Clavijo again. Outside of the midfield duo of DiRaimondo and LaBrocca, nobody looked good in this game.
Critical Matchup: Cooke vs. the Crew's left back. - Cooke looked pretty bad this game. Admittedly the team didn't feed him the ball enough, but when he did get it his first touch was ugly and his passes weren't the crisp ones we've come to expect. Hopefully he's just got to get used to playing again.
Fact of the Match: We still have 0 points when giving up the first goal.
Random Observations:
Standings: The Rapids are 6th in the 7 team Western Conference, and tied with KC for 12th overall in MLS. They are tied with Chivas and Chicago for the 5th best offense and tied with San Jose and Chivas for the 9th best defense.
Man of the Match: Nick LaBrocca - It was between him and DiRaimondo, but the pretty goal gives it to Nick.
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