Rapids Outplay Austin, Lucky To Get A Point

Wait, how is that possible you ask.  The Rapids outplayed their opponent but they were lucky to get a point?  Well let me introduce you to the Rapids finishing efforts combined with a Team of the Week performance from Austin's keeper.  It looked like for most of the night this was going to be another scoreless effort from Colorado, but a late combo from Barrios to Cabral finally beat Stuver.  With the point the Rapids can feel like they got what they deserved from the match, but it was a close thing.

• Austin's goal in the 5th minute was initially ruled offside, but VAR took a look and correctly determined it was a good goal.  It happened because Nicholson lost his man for a hood 10 seconds before the ball was played in behind him. 
• I'm not sure why Fraser thought pulling Markanich off after his success against Minnesota was a good idea, but Nicholson is not the answer.  Unfortunately he doesn't seem to be the answer anywhere.
• Overall the Rapids were more aggressive and more dangerous in this match than we have seen the rest of the season.  That's reflected in the xG, which was 2.2 to 1 in Colorado's favor.  They also had 8 shots on goal, compared to 9 in the first 4 games combined.
• All that said, this doesn't make the Rpaids a good team.  They still have nobody who can finish, players that disappear for long stretches of the game, and millions of dollars (Max, Cabral) invested in players who can't even earn a regular starting spot.
• Max was the only player with multiple shots on goal, which combined for a total of 0.06 xG.  Yeah.  To be fair though he had the best xA (expected assist) total on the team.
• The best shot of the night was Lewis' in the first half off a corner.  He unfortunately hit it right at Stuver but even then he almost failed to make the save.  The difference between 2021 and 2023 is that those shots went in in 2021 and get saved this season.
• While I'm still not sure what Fraser is doing with the starting XI, you can't criticize his subs this game.  Barrios and Cabral combined for the goal, both off the bench.
• Worst season starts through 5 games in team history:
• 2003 - 1 point, 3 goals scored
• 2013 - 2 points, 5 goals
• 2019 - 2 points, 6 goals
• 2023 - 2 points, 2 goals
• (Side note, 2033 is probably going to suck)

Man of the Match: Kevin Cabral.  I'm really excited that he got on the scoresheet finally.  Less excited that not only is he not starting but that he's not the first option off the bench, but for this week let's go with the positive and hope that kick starts his year.