We Messed With Texas

The Rapids played their most complete game of the season on Saturday night and put Houston to the sword.  The Dynamo were never really into the game, and the one glimmer of hope they got was quickly extinguished by a major mistake by their keeper.  With the 3-1 win the Rapids move to third in the West and third overall in the league by PPG.

Random Thoughts:

• Nice to see the Rapids start on the front foot for a change.  Colorado had more goals in the first half than Houston had shots on target for the game.  The expected goals were 2 to 0.3.
• Sam Vines goal was a great counter to open the scoring.  Yarbrough had the first touch and 3 touches later it was in the back of the net.  Barrios gets the majority of the credit with his two touches but Vines trailing out of his LB spot to clean up the goal is a nice piece of work.
• As I predicted Rubio got the game winning second goal.  I just missed that we would score a 3rd time.  Another great setup from Barrios and an lightly marked Rubio was not going to miss on his birthday.
• The Dynamo goal was a misplay by Trusty and a very well placed shot. The ball across the box should have been intercepted by Trusty and when it wasn't Vines didn't have enough time to step up.  Still the shot managed to nutmeg Vines and find the small hole between the diving Yarbrough and the post.  A couple of inches either way and either Vines blocks it, Yarbrough saves it, or it misses the net.
• Bassett's pressuring of keepers finally paid off.  Houston's keeper got the ball caught under his feet, tried to clear it past a charging Cole, and he deflected it into the net.  Simple.
• We're seeing over the last two game what the difference is in the midfield with Bassett (and Acosta), vs. Namli.  While our attack might not be quite as dynamic we are able to better pressure the defense with Bassett.
• Shinyashiki started the season hot but has faded over the last couple of games. I would really like to see what Namli does in his place out on the wing.
• I mean, what more can you say about Sam Vines this season?  He's not going to be here much longer if he keeps this up.
• Good to see Benezet get some time this week, and looked fairly good.  But we need more than 10-20 minutes every couple of games.
• I did enjoy that we brought on Benezet and Mezquida up 3-1 and didn't just rest on the lead.
• Kort Ford was in the 18 for the first time in 2.5 years.  Great to see!
• And Olli Larraz gets his first minutes, the 19 year old signed with the Rapids academy 10 years ago.  The Rapids media team had some great clips of him post game, with Price giving him plenty of support.
• Bassett, Vines, Larraz.  #PlayYourKids
• Next up is a real test out in LA against LAFC.  They're off to a rough start but they're too good to not bounce back.

Man of the Match: Michael Barrios.  Two assists, made life miserable for Houston's left side, and showed why we made him our 3rd highest player.  Easy choice.