Colorado Controls Consolation Game With 1-0 Win

Last night the Rapids had an easy game against the Melbourne youth/reserves squad, controlling the game from end-to-end in a 1-0 win.  The starting XI:

Cascio - Amarikwa - Mullan

Larentowicz - Castrillon - Mastroeni

Zapata - Wynne - Moor - Kimura

Ceus

Other than Ceus and Amarikwa I wouldn't be shocked to see that same lineup on opening day in two weeks.  The goal was scored on a 20-yard rocket from rookie Tony Cascio in the first half.  Cascio was the best player in the game, hitting the post and crossbar and putting a good chance just into the side netting.  He could have easily had a hat trick.

The two negatives from this match were Mastroeni leaving the game just before half with a possible slight concussion and Colorado's lack of finishing.  With Pablo's season ending early last year due to a concussion the last thing we want to see is another one.  The Rapids finished 2011 having a hard time finishing and it seemed to continue last night.  We had chance after chance but couldn't put it away.

Its hard to draw many conclusions from a preseason game against a youth squad just 48 hours after the last game.  That said there were a few bright spots.  Kohei Yamada got 15 minutes at the end of the game and stood out with some good ball movement and passing.  Castrillon had a couple of dangerous chances (one called back for an earlier foul on Melbourne instead of playing advantage) and some nice passing.  Of course getting a strong game out of a rookie is always nice as well.

The Rapids return home to Denver tomorrow for the final days of training camp.  The team has to be salary cap compliant by Thursday so we can expect some cuts in the first half of the week.