Weekend Roundup 8/16 - 8/17

Colorado Rapids - My game writeup is here. The Rapids are tied with LA for 4th in the West, 5 points behind leading Houston with a game in hand. They are 11th overall in the league, 1 point out of a tie for the last playoff spot. Colorado has the the 4th best offense and the 8th best offense (tied with Kansas City and Chivas).

Queen of the South - The Doonhamers faced FC Nordsjælland of Denmark in their first UEFA Cup game on Thursday. This was QoS's "home" game in the 2-leg series, being played at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie, about 100 miles from Dumfries. Apparently the new "home" surroundings confused the Queens defense, as they gave up a goal just 2 minutes into the game. They battled back though, levelling the game just after the half hour mark, only to go behind again shortly thereafter. After that there was a good deal of back and forth but no further scoring. Queen of the South will now go to Denmark needing at least two goals.

Over the weekend the Doonhamers hosted Partick Thistle back at their true home of Palmerston Park. The match was a wide open affair that Queens carried to a 2-0 win, but the match could have easily ended 4-3 in favor of QoS. They got their first win in the league and are currently 5th right now, 3 points back of the leaders.

Blackburn Rovers - The Rovers got their seasons started with a trip to Everton on Saturday. Everton is still facing the injury crisis they were dealing with when they visited the Dick two weeks ago and their bench for this game was made up of teenagers from their youth squad. David Dunn got the season off to a good start with a great shot from just outside the box that curled into the far corner for an early lead. New signing between the pipes Paul Robinson did not impress at the end of the first half, getting beat on the near post from a free kick right before the break.

Everton came out the stronger side to start the second half. The pressure would pay off after 20 minutes, giving Everton an unlikely lead. Blackburn would fight back though with Roque Santa Cruz beating American Tim Howard just 90 seconds after Everton took the lead. This right on the stroke of full time Rovers sent a free kick into the box that former MLS player Ryan Nelsen headed against the post, but Andre Oojer was there to clean up the rebound and give Blackburn the 3 points they wanted to start their season.

Kildare County FC - Kildare County's FAI Cup game against Derry City was postponed due to field conditions.