If you were still awake after the first half, you were treated to a taste of the 2009 Rapids slashing attack. But for a (DC United friendly goalpost), Ballouchy would’ve had his brace for the game and Clark his first of the season. Combined with a defense that bends often but rarely breaks, we earned a much needed 3 points on the road.

The first half highlights are few and far between. I found the songs and drunken antics of the Bulldog Supporters Group far more compelling than lazy passing around the back, a lack of creativity in the midfield, and poor movement up front. Ya…not good.

Thankfully it didn’t end there as you will see below

Now That We Are 8 Games In…

• Ballouchy is a baller…sometimes: And frankly his sometimes is the best we have coming out of the middle of the field, so it will have to be enough. To be fair, he continues to develop, and with time his passing will hopefully continue to be more consistent. Either way, I’d love to see him take on a defender at least once every half, throw a step-over or two in there, and put a shot on goal.
• Smith is kinda throwing darts: All love for El Capitan duly noted, he hasn’t found a cohesive, dependable starting XI. Injuries have made that near impossible, yet I think we are all still wondering questions like Where does Wynne belong (I think RB is best though it didn’t look great at times tonight)? Will it be Wells or Clark (I’m calling Clark though Wells can be an impact sub at 60′ on a regular basis).
• Casey deserved to be left at home: It hurts me to say it, as he is one of our finest footballers and a true Denver athlete. However, he was an “on the bubble” player whose form put him in (last season) and now out (this season) of the picture.
• The MLS Season hurts USMNT Possibles: While being at the beginning of our MLS season means less chance for injury and players being a bit more rested the negatives far outweigh the positives. Casey will undoubtedly turn this early season slump around, but it is too late for the World Cup squad. Unlike his European counterparts who are at their peak form after a long season, Casey is still shaking off the cobwebs.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis, US National Team British Bulldog, Bulldog Supporters Group, Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, US Men's National Team, World Cup