Rapids Fell Timbers

A much needed bounce back for the burgundy boys on Saturday night.  Colorado controlled the game almost from start to finish and if anything the 2-0 scoreline was generous to Portland.  The Timbers really had nothing on the night, having only one shot with more than 0.15 xG (though to be fair the Rapids only had 2, and neither of them were scored).    Portland never really felt like they were going to get an equalizer, but at the same time the way the Rapids season has gone so far the result never really felt safe until Kaye scored in stoppage time.

Random Musings:

• Interesting lineup with the injuries, reverting to a 4-3-3.  We looked better in it than we have in the 5-4-1/5-2-3 we've played most of the season, but small sample size.  Is it a better fit for us or did it just work because the Timbers aren't great right now?
• The VAR overturn on Abubakar's goal was the right one, even if it was a bit ticky-tack.  Lewis was offside when Lalas headed the ball, and he is in the keeper's way (his foot appears to be stepping on the keeper's).  I doubt the keeper is saving that if Lewis isn't there, but thems the rules.
• While we're on the officiating, it was a consistent if annoying night from the center official.  Per Joseph Samelson there were 21 fouls, and 11 if them were carded.  That's a unusual ratio to say the least.
• None of the yellow cards stood out to me as being particularly bad.  I don't remember Rubio's first but his second was an unnecessary tackle while on a yellow card and he followed it up by mouthing off.  At that point the second yellow is almost for being dumb while on a yellow card.
• Before getting sent off though Rubio was having a good game as a withdrawn striker/attacking mid.  In another week his free kick goal would be a favorite for goal of the week but there were some bombs this week.
• Lewis had a good game too, but in the two key moments he didn't come through.  First the offside mentioned above.  Second he had a great 1 on 1 with the keeper in the second half he failed to score.  Its those moments that have kept him from taking the step forward everyone has been waiting for.
• Max didn't shine, but he wasn't bad either.  He was just kind of there.  Still plenty of time to adjust, but its time to start showing a bit more than what we've seen.
• Great goal from Kaye to end the match.  I wanted Barrios to go to the corner and kill time but he saw MAK making the run and found him and Kaye finished.  It, along with his other play, earned him a MLS Team of the Week inclusion.
• No Shinyashiki in the 18.  This matches up with a report that broke late Friday night that a trade to Charlotte has been agreed on.  The window closes on Wednesday, I'll have more about that if/when it happens.

Man of the Match: Bryan Acosta.  He was asked to step in and run the midfield and did it well.  Not only that he took over corner kicks and set up Lalas perfectly for the called-back goal.  With Price likely being out a few weeks (and hopefully not more than that) he made a good case to moving into that open spot in the starting XI.