Debacle In LA

From the high of Friday night to a disaster on Saturday.  The Rapids came out flat, got injured, lost their minds, and lost the game.  The game started with the Avs still playing, so those of us in Denver missed the first 6-7 minutes, which included (apparently) the first of many great stops by Irwin.  Once coverage started it took 10-15 minutes of play before the Rapids had a decent offensive chance compared to a handful for LA.  The Pablo went down and had to be subbed off in the first half (again).  Shortly afterwards Irwin was beat but Calderon cleared the ball off the line, however in the process he slammed into the post giving himself a leg contusion requiring he be subbed off.  The Rapids were lucky to get to half at 0-0.

That all ended minutes into the second half when Drew Moor went mental.  At the top of the box he suddenly snapped his elbow back into the face of Marcelo Sarvas.  The AR saw it and the CR correctly gave Moor a red card and awarded a PK.  Irwin made a good attempt but Magee finished the penalty to give LA a 1-0 lead.  Pareja was forced to use the final sub to put O'Neill on into the hole Moor's ejection created, taking Harbottle off.  After that LA took the air out of the ball, Brown made a couple of chances happen but for the most part the game was over.

My key to the match was Irwin, and he got the job done.  Unfortunately he was the only one.

Random Thoughts:

• Really there's not much else to say.  DeShorn Brown tried to create something, but with no service he was fighting a losing battle.  Once the injuries started forcing substitutions it was downhill and Moor's idiocy sealed it.

Player of the Match: Clint Irwin.  Apparently the only Rapid who showed up to do his job, and he did it well.