Rapids Make It Five Without A Loss

As expected Colorado dominated the game on Saturday night en route to a less impressive 2-0 win.  It didn't take long for the Rapids to get on the board in possibly the best worked goal so far this season.  In the 11th minute Rivero corralled a loose ball, took another touch, and found Brown up front.  Deshorn played a one-touch pass out wide to Klute and he one-timed a cross to an onrushing Harris who finally found the back of the net.  A total of 6 touches between 4 players got the ball from just past the center circle to the goal.

Colorado continued to control the game, with only a couple of slip ups that Chivas was unable to take advantage of.  There was only one shot on target from either team the rest of the half (an easy save for Irwin) but Colorado was clearly the stronger team.  This continued into the second half where while each team had a chance on goal, Chivas only had one other chance and Irwin smothered the one on target they got.  The Rapids finished their chance.  A nice sequence of passing (Wynne - Buddle - Mullan - Brown) ended up with Deshorn sending the ball back in front of the net for Nathan Sturgis to turn home.  That ended any hope chivas had and the Rapdis were able to play out the game for their 5th win in 9 games against 1 loss.

My key to the match was dominating a game we should dominate.  Despite the less than impressive 2-0 scoreline the Rapids were clearly in charge and weren't even in danger of losing.

Random Thoughts:

• Its interesting that despite their control the Rapids had the same number of shots on goal as Chivas, 2.  The difference were that the Rapids shots were well placed while Chivas' were right to Irwin.
• Colorado had 11 other attempts at goal though, while Chivas only had 3.
• Rivero left the game before half with an injury to the same foot he broke in preseason, but x-rays yesterday showed the injury was not a re-break and not serious.  He'll be re-evaluated tomorrow to determine a timeline for his return.
• Powers did a great job coming off the bench for Rivero.  Its good to know he's able to bounce in and out of the lineup like that with no ruffled feathers.
• Chris Klute had a monster of a game.  He's locked up the left back spot for now, and Kindle and Wallace will have to work to pry him out.
• German Mera did make the 18 but, not surprisingly, didn't play.
• Wynne struggled a bit in this game, he had a couple of turnovers that might have been dangerous had Chivas been a more competent team.
• Buddle was quieter than I would have liked.  He needs to be more engaged in the offense if we're going to have long-term success.
• If you had Atiba Harris and Nathan Sturgis as the goal scorers in this game, you're lying.
• Seriously, Nathan Freakin Sturgis has scored in back-to-back games, who saw that coming?
• Brown had a couple of great crosses that nobody was making far post runs on.  Had they been there would have been at least one more goal.
• Danny Mwanga just quit on a a cross that would have been an easy tap-in.  That's at least 4 times this season he's had a gimmie goal and been unable to finish.  Eloundou can't get here soon enough.
• 19 points in 9 games, that's a nice run.

Player of the Match: Deshorn Brown.  He had 2 assists, could have had 1-2 more if some runs were made to support him, and generally drove the Chivas defense crazy most of the night.  It would be nice for him to get on the score sheet himself, but if he wants to take Cummings role as the setup guy for the other forward I've got no complaints.  He now leads the team with 4 assists.