Monday, May 27, 2019

They Called It The Streak!


Two wins in a row!  We're Colorado Rapids and we're on our way back!  Ok, ok, maybe we're not over the hump but its nice to actually be competitive after a long wait.  Its particularly good to see the Rapids continually press forward to re-take the lead after giving it up and not settle for a draw.  We're going to have to win a lot of games 3-2 this year, we should get used to it.

Random Musings:

  • The Rapids scored twice from corner kicks in this one.  I can remember whole seasons when it felt like the Rapids didn't score twice from corner kicks.
  • The third Rapids goal was a nice counterattack where both our wingers combined.  A nice run by Nicholson freed up Lewis to get the ball from Sam.  More of that please.
  • Meanwhile the first Columbus goal looked like the bad old days of the defense marking nobody.  Lots of yellow bananas running through the box wide open.  People were distracted by the multiple players on the deck (from both teams) but you have to keep your focus and play to the whistle.
  • The good news is that the second goal was just Wynne getting beat.  I mean, that's not good, but at least its not a systemic problem.  And Zardes beating a backup CB isn't something to be completely ashamed of.
  • Tommy Smith once again looked capable (first Crew goal aside).  He's still not producing at the level for the salary we're paying him but a pairing of him and Abubakar might be serviceable for the season.  Maybe a change in leadership is what he needed.
  • Mezquida has been much better coming off the bench than as a starter.  Casey figured something out there.    That said I was complaining about his wayward shots before he scored.  You can't score if you don't shoot I guess.  BTW, should his nickname be Mosquito or is that just me?
  • That's two weeks in a row a sub has come in and got the winning goal.  That's a sign of good coaching.
  • Kamara is the textbook selfless striker.  Happy to lay the ball off, happy to do the hard work in the back (like clearing a sure goal off the line), and doing it all with a smile.
  • Lewis is a bit raw but man does he have talent.  Early returns on that trade are looking good.
  • Rubio got back in to the lineup but didn't do a ton.  We need more out of him.

Man of the Match: Sam Nicholson.  On top of the previously mentioned assist he put in a ton of work running at the Crew defense.  He also took a couple of hard fouls and bounced right back.  MLS named him in the Team of the Week for his effort.

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