Missed It By That Much

I predicted a 1-1 draw with Bassett scoring,  We got a draw with Bassett scoring...and Rubio.  So close.  The good news is that the additional goal I didn't predict gave us 23 goals for the season, one more than the 22 the 2013 DC United team scored to set the record for lowest goals scored in a 34 game season (and, COVID-season excepted, the lowest goals/game in league history).  So we've avoided that ignominy at least.  Plus the draw gives us a 1 point lead over Toronto in the race to avoid the Wooden Spoon.  By the standards of this season that's a pretty successful evening for the Rapids.

I think its fair to say that the coaching change has improved this team.  We've got 1-1-2 in the 4 games since and score 7 goals.  It took the prior 15 games to score 7 goals and the team was averaging 0.61 points per game this season to that point.  Cole Bassett continued his hot streak, getting another goal to give him 3 goals and an assist since the coaching change.  Make no mistake, I'm not discounting Fraser as a good coach, it was just clear that his methods were no longer working with this locker room, for any number of reasons.

At the same time the improved play of the team has not come with good enough results.  1 PPG looks great against what we've seen the rest of the season but compared to our historical results its still in the bottom 25% of seasons all-time.  That leads me to one of two conclusions, both of which are probably partially true.  One, Chris Little is not good enough to be a MLS coach, even if he's better than Fraser was doing with this group.  Two, as good as the coaching may or may not be, the talent on the roster isn't good enough.  I tend to believe its significantly more of the latter than the former, but both are likely in play.  Your view will likely differ.

Fun note, as mentioned I couldn't make the game, but apparently former Rapids Designated Player Shkelzen Gashi put in an appearance at the pregame tailgate and was then recognized on the field before the game.  You never know who might show up for a C38 party!

Man of the Match: Cole Bassett.  Mainly because he deserves it after this four-game run he put together.