Next Week's Lottery Numbers Will Be...

In my game preview on Friday I said:

1-1 draw, goal by Casey. The Rapids haven't shown the ability to put a team away in a long time, and with the injury report I don't see that changing. Colorado will take the lead but give it back. Our defense is strong enough, with the altitude, to prevent a loss but our offense won't be able to get a win.

That's exactly what happened. Pablo drew a PK in the second half, Casey stepped up to put it away, and less than 5 minutes later the Union equalized. Pretty much what we've seen in the last 2 games for Colorado. 4 times in the last 3 games they've taken the lead. 3 times they gave it back within 5 minutes, the 4th time it took longer but the same thing happened. While the team played better this week this game was pretty much just like every other game we've seen in the last 6.

My key to the game was no more injuries. Alas it appears we couldn't even do that right as Kimura was favoring one leg as he was subbed off.

Stats Of The Game: 1. The 6th draw in a row set a single-season MLS record for consecutive draws. If we draw in Portland we'll set the overall record.

2. This draw gave the Rapids an 8-game undefeated streak, the longest in team history.

Other Observations:

• Weak PK call in our favor, but one of those calls where a defender put him in position to gt whistled. You can't put your hand on an attacker's shoulder like that without begging for a call.
• Casey took what would be referred to as a "cheeky" PK. Great when it works, absolutely stupid when it doesn't. Next time just power it home Conor.
• Nobody moved to pressure Mwanga on the Philly goal, which gave him plenty of time to fire off a great shot. It appears that Drew Moor was the defender that should have stepped up.
• Good to see Moor gut it out through an injury and keep his streak going though.
• Also good to see Smith back out their after his injury. When he wasn't knocking off the rust he was putting together some great ball movement.
• The Rapids passes were feast or famine Saturday night, Some great ball movement, then horrible giveaways.
• Akpan is still green, but he's showing more than Amarikwa has. He should definitely be the choice of those two at this point.
• Wells Thompson found some defense. Unfortunately he hasn't found his offense.
• Thompson and Wallace can not combine at all. They should never be put on the same side.
• Another uninspired 20 minutes from Folan. He needs to get on the same page as the rest of the team.
• The Rapids forwards, other than Casey, appear to be looking for the perfect pass instead of just winding up and shooting once in a while.
• Pablo had a solid game, and drew the PK, but I disagree with giving him MOTM.

Player of the Game: Matt Pickens. An amazing Save of the year candidate on a Union free kick early and a couple of other good saves kept us in this game. Nothing he could do about the goal.