Tough Game, Unless You've Got POWERS!!!

A great result for the Rapids Saturday night as they vaulted into 2nd place with a 2-0 win over the Galaxy.  The game started on a sour note though as Hendry Thomas could have easily been given a red card within 10 minutes, with two back tackles that netted him (luckily) a stern talking to and a yellow card.  After that though it was more soccer and less rugby.  Ten minutes in Buddle put a long shot on target but it was no threat to go in.  After an off yellow card that probably could have gone against Thomas for breaking up an attack but went against Juninho in the 29th minute the Rapids kept the pressure on and broke through in the 41st.  Hendry Thomas headed home a corner from Dillon Powers to give the Rapids the lead going into half.  Wynne had another easy shot saved right before half.

Right after the break Colorado put the game away.  Powers played a nice give and go with Buddle, putting the rookie in on goal with only the keeper to beat.  A poor flapping attempt at the ball and a good shot from Dillon gave the Rapids a 2-0 lead before LA had a shot on goal.   Right after Colorado doubled the lead the Galaxy got their first shot on target with a long low shot that Irwin easily swallowed.  After that both teams had some great chances that they couldn't get on target, and LA and one weak shot before the home team claimed the 3 points.

My key to the match was defense.  LA made it easy but you can't complain about a shutout.

Random Thoughts:

• Hendry Thomas will be suspended due to yellow card accumulation for the Rocky Mountain Cup match next week due to his yellow.  If he's lucky he won't get any more punishment from the Disciplinary Committee.
• Deshorn Brown limped off late int he game but it was just cramps, he'll be fine.
• Nick LaBrocca however was pulled in the 35th minute with a groin injury, no update on his status yet.
• Shane O'Neill got through the game without a yellow, so he'll have one knocked off his total for 3 games of good behavior.
• Buddle had the assist, but he blew two gift-wrapped chances.  With Torres coming in (hopefully) you have to think Buddle is heading to the bench.
• Everyone got a kick over Pablo getting carded for dissent.  Just like the old days.
• With the win the Rapids move up to second in the West on points but only sixth on points/game.  more later this week on why that doesn't worry me as much as you might think at first glance.
• First in the West?  FaKe SaLt LaKe, our next opponent.
• Of course the battle in the standings pales in comparison to what's really on the line this week, the Rocky Mountain Cup.

Player of the Match: Dillon Powers.  A goal and an assist to give him 4 of each on the year and a lead in the Rookie of the Year competition.