I lamented before the game that Casey had not rediscovered his scoring touch since returning to the Rapids after the Confederations cup. He just got caught up in a hurry. In a game filled with playoff implications, Colorado downed the Goats and took control of third place in the west
Basics
It took just 26 seconds for an unlikely goal off the foot of Pablo Mastroeni. In a setup that would repeat itself throughout the night, Omar Cummings drew the defense down the field. He then passed the ball back to Mastroeni, the typically defense minded captain, who looked around then realized he had an open shot on goal. Mastroeni has a good foot, and should look for these opportunities more often. Accuracy at times is the issue, but if he can get them on target he has plenty of steam.
The crowd gathered at DSGP was treated to a spectacular finish minutes later when Conor Casey took a Cummings pass and chipped it over Chivas goalie Lance Parker. Then in the 23′ the omnipresent Cummings sent a gorgeous pass across the six yard box which Casey touched in for goal number two. He could’ve taken a shot, but made the unselfish and much more effective play. If there was any wind in the sails of the injury-riddled Goats, it was gone at that point.
Omar Cummings was brought down in extra time in the first, resulting in a red card. Casey put home the PK with another cheeky chip shot, wrapping up a 4-0 first half and completing the scoring for the first half.
The second half was a bit of a formality, though we had a couple other good chances. Matt Pickens pretty much had the night off, but made several excellent saves in the 62′ and 63′ to preserve the shutout.
Bonus
Conor Casey is again the leader in the Golden Boot competition with 11 goals. It was good to see the big man get the ball in the back of the net again.
Bummer
This was tough to come up with, but I’d have to say Omar Cummings not getting one of his own. He had three good chances in the game, including a breakaway early in the second that he sent off the top of the crossbar. He was absolutely spectacular in the game, igniting our attack.
Backtalk
The Rapids are in good position for the playoffs right now. Consistency has been a major issue, do you think the Rapids will be able to maintain momentum and finish in the top 8?