Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis DC United

Pundits wondered if the defending champs only looked good because of their relatively weak two first opponents. When the Rapids downed mid table DC United tonight, they were stone cold killers, converting the majority of their legitimate chances. It was a slick, cold field, with drizzle turning to snow, and a tepid first half turning to second half domination.

DC United controlled much of the flow of play in the first half, but generated relatively few chances as Moor, Wynne, and Pickens suffocated any attacks. Folan scored his first MLS goal in the 38th minute, warming the hearts of the freezing faithful as he took on the defender one on one. The big man danced back and forth and then laced a shot with his left boot past the diving Pat Onstad.

It remained 1-0 until DC’s Chris Korb sent a gorgeous 30 yard cross to Santino Quaranta who volleyed it in. It was a lovely first time shot, but it was the last time DC was in the game. The Rapids took over from there, scoring on the restart. Anthony Wallace, who previously had a quiet game, sent a lovely cross in to the box. Smith’s header was sublime, arching up and over the goalkeeper. 2-1 Colorado in the 71′.

The Rapids weren’t done yet, nor was the big Irishman, as Folan matched Smith’s touch with a lovely header of his own. Nyassi, who put in another excellent showing as a super sub, sent a cross into the middle for Folan. There was no luck of the Irish involved, just technical skill in heading it down and across the face of goal.

There is no coincidence that the last three goals happened after Cummings came in in the 52nd minute…and indeed the last goal was Omar’s. It was the third goal of the night off the noggin. Setup by Amerikwa’s header and a deflected pass from Pablo, the Jamaican International sent it home as he beat Onstad to the ball. 4-1 Rapids.

I never thought I’d say this: but the Rapids really do have options in attack, with Folan, Nyassi, and even Amerikwa demonstrating an ability to make trouble for opposing back lines. We do lack some speed in the attack without Cummings, but Folan and Nyassi have shown they can move the ball upfield in a hurry. With the Rapids in multiple competitions, this depth in attack is much needed.

However, despite the fireworks, it is the boys in the back that deserve a shoutout. Though it wasn’t a shutout, they suffocated the DC attack and gave them few chances to get back in the game.

Main, Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Caleb Folan, Chris Korb, DC United, Jamie Smith, Omar Cummings, Pat Onstad, Sanna Nyassi, Santino Quaranta

93 minutes of frustration. One aggressive challenge by Ryan Johnson of San Jose on Drew Moor, who made the most of it and earned a PK that Casey did not waste.

Basics

This was a game full of annoyances. John Harkes saying “Bow-det.” The ball bouncing around on a field full of mini-moguls. Most importantly, a complete lack of service from the midfield to Thunder (Casey) & Lighting (Cummings) up top. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Colin Clark, Conor Casey, DC United, Drew Moor, Gary Smith, John Harkes, Marcel Balboa, Omar Cummings, Pablo Mastroeni, Ryan Johnson, San Jose Earthquakes

A big “thanks” to Conor Casey’s parents for neglecting to have his wisdom teeth removed as a child. His surgery prevented him from practicing with the USMNT (who won nonethless), and it was his header in the 52′ that secured the Rapids an absolutely crucial 3 points. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis, US National Team Chivas USA, Conor Casey, DC United, Dwayne DeRosario, Jacob Peterson, L.A. Galaxy, MLS All Star Game, New England Revolution, Omar Cummings

At CRF we normally focus on Rapids news, as there are other great sources for national and global soccer analysis. However I believe today’s article from Kartik Krishnaiyer brings up an essential decision MLS has to make, and that very much affects us as Rapids fans. In his words, we have to decide to “try and be a good American leagues…or be a global player.” Read more…

International Soccer, Major League Soccer (MLS), US National Team beautiful game, DC United, Jamie Moreno, Kartik Krishnaiyer, south america

In evaluating the Rapids form at this point in the season, I think of the US Men’s National Team. There was a carousel of players in and out, different formations, different styles of play, and inconsistent results. Once Bob Bradley arrived at a final 11 and somewhat of an identity, the results at the Confederations Cup were staggering. I believe the Rapids have yet to find that identity.

One of the first areas this shows up is the lack of a default starting 11. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis, US National Team Bob Bradley, Chivas USA, Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Cory Gibbs, DC United, Jacob Peterson, Jordan Harvey, Julien Baudet, Kosuke Kimura, Matt Pickens, Mehdi Ballouchy, Nick LaBrocca, Omar Cummings, Pablo Mastroeni, Preston Burpo, Scott Palguta, Ugo Ihemelu, US Men's National Team

Kosuke’s second goal of the season was enough to secure a victory at home for the Rapids over a struggling FC Dallas team. While Kimura lacks the size of a Palguta or the ability to impose like Ihemelu, he has shown now on two occasions that he can utilize his speed from the back to find holes in the defense. Kudos also to Ballouchy, whose pass showed tremendous vision. Though at times he struggles with imprecise passing, he is developing his ability to see the field and find the attacking player. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis DC United, FC Dallas, Jacob Peterson, Kosuke Kimura, Mehdi Ballouchy, MLSnet.com, Nick LaBrocca, Nick Thomas, Ugo Ihemelu, wewantrapidman

In the most complete game the Rapids have played this season, they easily disassembled DC United. With Conor Casey on international duty, Omar Cummings made the fans at DSGP say “Conor who?” in a simply brilliant display of skill. Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis DC United, Matt Pickens, Omar Cummings, Pat Noonan, Scott Palguta

The Rapids occupy 4th place in the Western Confeernce heading into tonight’s matchup vs D.C. United. That is actually somewhat positive considering the Rapids have played 2-3 less games than every other team Read more…

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, DC United, Pat Noonan