Yesterday the Rapids faced the Timbers in their first game in AZ. Both teams ran out a close-to-starting XI to start the game. Here's Colorado's lineup:
Wynne was held out with an ankle injury. Portland had early control but Colorado asserted dominance most of the half. The best Rapids chance was a Hill shot that slammed off the crossbar in the 22nd minute or so. In the 28th minute Diego Valeri took a great free kick from outside the left side of the box, beating Pickens by placing it in the far upper corner.
The big news happened in the 40th minute. As Martin Rivero received a simple pass and sent it on he crumpled to the ground grabbing his foot. He was immediately subbed out, replaced by trialist Cesar Romero. Further examination overnight has revealed that Rivero fractured his foot. He'll need surgery and will be out for 2-3 months. That's a huge loss for the team.
At halftime both teams made significant substitutions. Portland went with a number of bench/role-players from last season while the Rapids used primarily new players and trialists. Here's the Rapids XI:
* = Unsigned player
Not surprisingly both teams struggled to put together cohesive play. Portland took advantage of multiple breakdowns by the Rapids defense to score twice, in the 63rd and 79th minute, before Colorado combined to get on the board. A long pass down the left side from Powers found Kindle, who put in a perfect cross to Brown for the goal. All 3 Superdraft picks combining for a score.
Maurer looked good in goal, he appears to be ahead in the race for the 3rd GK spot. Kindle had a solid turn on offense but was caught up-field too often. Serna showed the talent that got him his contract, but his size is still a concern, he's easily muscled off the ball. The Rapids next preseason game is tomorrow (Thursday) night at 6pm Denver time.
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