It was a night and day difference since their last home match. A good 30 degrees warmer at DSG Park tonight since facing the Chicago Fire back on April 30th. In terms of the quality of soccer, it remained stagnant. You’d have to go back to April 3 versus DC United to find the last time we won at home. Yes, it’s true the Colorado Rapids are undefeated in their last 5, which sounds better than it looks. A team built around defense, the Rapids could not get anything going in the final third of the pitch. They managed to only put two shots on frame and never really challenged Toronto FC’s goalie and captain, Stefan Frei.

On paper it appeared the Rapids started with five defenders, however Kosuke Kimura got the start as a right midfielder playing in front of Marvell Wynne. Kimura’s quality has improved this season including his decisions making skills and he brings a defense first mentality to the team. He’s arguably the most fit player on the team, which allows coach Gary Smith to use him for a full 90+ minutes as a right midfielder. However, Kimura has defense on the brain and doesn’t quite have the skill to go one-on-one at opposing defenders. You can’t find fault in his work ethic, only the lack of offensive prowess.

In the end, Matt Pickens walks away with the Man of the Match award, having to come up with a couple big saves (with some help from the crossbar). The Rapids have another solid defensive team this year and only appear to be susceptible to goals from counter attacks. Even with a pile of injuries to our forwards, the Rapids are still getting points in large part to our stingy defense, the framework for our championship team last year. The match tonight might not have helped with the recent lull feeling but getting the chance to see our boys play at home has helped raise the spirits. The beauty with a team like the Rapids is that as long as we don’t lose matches, we should be playing in the post season for the MLS Cup and we all know how that story turned out last year.

We aren’t losing, but we aren’t particularly fun to watch right now either. Keep getting the points now and we’ll have a chance to defend the cup at the end of the season. A tough midweek game at New York versus the Red Bulls takes place Wednesday, May 25th at 6:00 PM MST followed by a home match Saturday versus last place Sporting Kansas City. See you then!

JMH

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne, Matt Pickens, Stefan Frei

Before fans had even found their seats, Brian Mullan battled for the ball and went to the ground. He got up aggrieved, feeling a foul was justified, and it may have been. But his response was not justified. He went after the ball, then went in hard and high on Steve Zakuani According to my friend Tim, just 10 rows away, it sounded like a broken bat. Zakuani’s leg flailed around like rubber, surely fractured.

It was an ugly tackle, and it cast a pall over the stadium for nearly the entire rest of the game.

The damage was done on the scoreline just a quarter of an hour later when the Rapids were undone and outnumbered on an excellent counterattack. White setup Rosales, who supplied Montero on a ball that went under the wickets of Matt Pickens. Pickens appeared to get his legs caught under him, and really should’ve done better.

Despite being outnumbered, the Rapids controlled the pace of play for most of the rest of the game. It wasn’t exciting, but it was effective. However, needing to keep men back to protect against another counter, when the Rapids did create chances there were insufficient numbers in the box.

Kimura was the standout player of the game, showing tremendous confidence in taking on defenders and creating chances. He pushed up the wing, and made a handful of good moves into the box, putting shots on goal.

There was an awkard, nervous tension in the press area at half. Everyone looked a little shell shocked, and several from the Sounders entourage were visibly disturbed or even angry.

I think this is a major gut check for the Rapids. After looking positively champion-like in the first 3 games, we’ve appeared to lose our step in the last 3. Certainly we could feel a bit unlucky with eary key injuries and a late call against RSL. And tonight the lapse in judgment by Mullan derailed what looked setup to be a dominating performance by the Rapids. You always felt tonight that full strength our control of the game would’ve developed into scoring chances if Cummings didn’t have to drop back and play basically as a midfielder. However, this is the hand we’ve been dealt, how will respond?

Gary, get the boys up and on their feet. The rest of the MLS is gunning for our cup.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Brian Mullan, Kosuke Kimura, Steve Zakuani

In a nightmare that keeps repeating itself, a late goal from a questionable call downed the Rapids on a blustery night at Rio Tinto. A soft free kick in the waning seconds led to this:

The free kick itself was an unwelcome, though probably justified intervention on a night where the referees overall let the boys play. The refs rightly flagged the aggressive goal scorer Fabian Espindola two times, one ruling out a goal in the first half. However, it looked like they missed this one.

Nonetheless, Rapids fans would be amiss to focus on this one moment. The Rapids went toe to toe with their rival, at their house, and the two teams effectively neutralized each other for most of the game. The effort from the boys in Burgundy was everything we expected, if it lagged at the very end.

However, the performance again reiterated a problem that emerged last week versus FC Dallas: a creative void. The midfield pairing of Larentowicz and Mastroeni would never be compared to Xavi and Iniesta in their creativity on the ball. However, the arrival of the Ginga Ninja freed Mastroeni to be distinctly more aggressive in the attack than he has been in recent years. Jamie Smith floated on the wing, sending in crosses or cutting inside and supplying balls to Casey / Cummings, or even Kimura pushing up the wing. Without Mastroeni, we simply have not found a creative force in the midfield, and that is our greatest void right now.

The injury bug has hit hard early season, and it’s true the loss of Casey has hurt. However, Folan has shown a capable replacement. He has pace, a remarkable work rate, and gets off great shots both from his boot and in the air. The greatest loss with Folan is the understanding Cummings and Casey have built over the last few years, but I suspect that will come. Also, Jamie Smith and Quincy Amarikwa both had to be subbed, with apparent hamstring and ankle injuries, respectively. On a defensive note, Tyrone Marshall put in a solid 90 minutes. and the back line was able to maintain a high line affectively versus a pit bull RSL attack. Bottom line, the makeshift front line and back line appear to be more than adequate.

It is the midfield that concerns me. I’ve said that I believe the midfield was the linchpin of our success:  Larentowicz / Mastroeni paired with Moor / Wynne did indeed form the steel of our defense, but Larentowicz / Mastroeni also did a solid job providing supply to the wings, to fullbacks pushing forward, and to the spear of our attack up top. We simply did not look dangerous often enough, and RSL looked the more likely team to score. We had chances, but far less than Rapids fans are used to, and far less than we need against a squad as solid as Fake Salt Lake.

If we are to compete to defend our crown, not to mention the other competitions we are in, we will need to address this shortage at midfield. Smith is adequate in midfield, but is missed on the wing. Wells worked his ass of, but also does not have the touch and supply in attack that Jamie brings. Like Wells, Nyassi brings pace as a sub, but neither is a 90 minute solution.

Gary Smith: if Stan is paying attention, we need another creative Central Midfielder. Pronto. Without it we are still a playoff team, but that’s not good enough anymore. We want to be in the conversation for the title until the very end, and that won’t happen without better supply to our attack.

Pablo, get better soon.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Caleb Folan, Fabian Espindola, Gary Smith, Jeff Larentowicz, Kosuke Kimura, Pablo Mastroeni, Real Salt Lake, Wells Thompson

The Rapids began much like last season ended, with Omar causing more trouble for opposing defenses than Charlie Sheen caused for Two and a Half Men. At 8′ he broke a corner trap and sent the ball in across the 6 yard box, off GK Perkin’s fingertips, creating a sitter for Jeff Larentowicz.

In the 29th minute, Cummings was released on goal, and a great save from Perkins was short-lived. Cummings collected his own rebound and sent it home.

The robust crowd at Dick’s barely had time to collect it’s breath before Jamie Smith took a one-time shot off a ball deflected towards the Timbers goal. It was a shot of the week (even of the month) nominee, a 25 yard scorcher that struck the underside of the crossbar and deflected in.

The Rapids lost their shutout in the 80′ when Kenny Cooper sent a low shot through the wall on a set piece. Kosuke was the player sent to jump / run at Kenny, the ball appeared to glance off his spikes and perhaps take even one more deflection on the way past a diving Pickens. It was a fine strike, but not a great set piece defense by the Rapids, one of few blemishes on a stellar night (the others involving Salazar’s lack of officiating consistency).

The Rapids’ early lead allowed Smith to rest Casey early on in the second half. Fan favorite Quincy Amerikwa received several ovations for his tireless work, but I was far more impressed with his improved technical ability. He’s still a Tasmanian Devil out there, but a perfectly weighted pass from the outside of the foot to Wallace on the wing showed he’s improving his finesse as well.

Smith’s 25′ scorcher was a real beauty, and in the 84′ a fingertip save by Perkins was all that kept a 40′ from stretching the net. Smith’s crosses and set pieces…not so impressive. Perhaps some early season rust at work there, I’m sure he’ll have them back on a dime within a few games.

Sanna Nyassi got a bakers dozen of minutes late, and made a case for many more. He showed real creativity, getting two shots on goal in his first 5 or so  minutes on the pitch.

The Rapids looked like champions. The Timbers brought a great contingent, and looked like the expansion team they are. Rapids 3 – Timbers 1.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Jeff Larentowicz, Kenny Cooper, Kosuke Kimura, Omar Cummings, Portland Timbers, Quincy Amarikwa

As we prepare for tonight’s clash versus FC Dallas, let’s take a visual walk back through our moment of glory thanks to the grippingly talented Ed Clemente of Ed Clemente Photography.

Colorado Rapids – 2010 Eastern Conference Championship from Brian Rants on Vimeo.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Conor Casey, Eastern Conference Championship, Kosuke Kimura, Major League Soccer, MLS Cup, Omar Cummings, Pablo Mastroeni, San Jose Earthquakes

An unlikely hero led the Rapids to the MLS Cup…must be a few millennia of samurai blood coursing through the veins of Kosuke Kimura.

The Rapids had several golden chances, especially in the second half, but the goal that send the Rapids to the MLS Cup Final in Toronto was a fantastic cross that Busch and San Jose just couldn’t handle. As you might expect, the ‘Quakes defense was focused on Cummings, who whiffed and the cross found the side netting in the final minutes of the first half.

It was a bitterly cold day, and the game was generally as tight as Jamie Smith’s hammy (which meant Wells Thompson got the nod). The ‘Quakes seemed stayed very compact, with a high line in the back, and never sending too many men forward. While it kept the Rapids in check, it also limited the creative abilities of Giovanni and Wondolowski, other than the first 15′ of the second half.

It nearly worked for San Jose, as the Rapids managed to squander a number of golden chances in the 2nd half: Casey header wide, Cummings one-v-one with Busch off the post, Mastroeni open shot from top of 18′ box saved by Busch, and more.

In a tight, highly-contested, bitterly cold game at home…you would expect the Rapids to find a way to win, and that’s exactly what they did.

The backline, as always was solid. Wynne and Moor are tighter than a drum. Cummings was a troublemaker. Mullan made consistently dangerous runs. Wells was adequate, but I’m hoping for the return of Smith; his quality on crosses and set pieces was missed. And Kimura…never the most skilled player on the pitch, but his runs down the right created issues for San Jose. Just as importantly, he made several last ditch, perfectly timed defensive runs to save the shutout.

The Rapids now wait for the winner of the LA Galaxy and FC Dallas. Once again we will likely play on a cold night against a warm weather team…and one more gutsy performance for the Rapids could earn us a trophy and a season for the Rapids lore. Go Rapids!

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Kosuke Kimura, Omar Cummings, Pablo Mastroeni

First time I saw Anthony Wallace at DSGP, I had my doubts. He seemed unable to shut down opposing wingers, and his crosses were rarely on target. Just goes to show you can’t trust first impressions.

As Anthony has adjusted to the Rapids system, and gained regular time on the pitch, he has become that unicorn of US soccer: a quality left back.

He has the pace to both push up on attack and track back, and his touch on the ball has increased considerably. When he is pushing down the left hand side it allows midfielders like Smith and forwards like Kandji to tuck inside and make runs.

The left and right back positions have seen considerable turnover throughout the year; Kimura, Wynne, Earls, and more have made appearances.

Earls certainly has the effort, but Wallace brings more pace and class. If he continues to put forth full effort, he deserves the nod…every match.

Backtalk

• Do you agree that Wallace is our best left back option?
• What is still his greatest weakness?
• Greatest strength?

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Anthony Wallace, Danny Earls, Kosuke Kimura, Marvell Wynne

The Rapids take on the Philadelphia Union tonight, albeit without big ol’ #9, our leading scorer with 11 goals.

The reason for his absence should come as no surprise to Rapids fans: Yellow Card Accumulation. Our big man does like to make his presence felt.

It was bound to happen, and to be honest this is as good of a game as any. We should NOT take any team for granted, but playing the Union at home is a good time to see if Kandji can be the substitute we want him to be for a playoff run.

Keys to the match

• Will Wallace and Kimura be effective in offense on the wings, but still get back for the counter attack?
• That counter attack will undoubtedly be led by breakout star Sebastien (my name is spelled with an “E” LeToux. The absence of phenom Danny Mwanga will help considerably, but will the Rapids be able to maintain control of possession and stifle LeToux?
• Killer instinct: these are the sorts of games on short turnaround that will tell us the mental strength of this team. Can we close?

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Anthony Wallace, Conor Casey, Kosuke Kimura, Macoumba Kanji, Sebastien Le Toux

Omar Cummings scored a sure nominee for goal of the week, but it wasn’t enough. For the last Rapids win you have to look back seven weeks to a 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew. Since then the Rapids have lost their way, and tonight was no exception.

The game stormed out of the gates with easily the most exciting first 20 minutes I’ve seen this season. The typically stout Rapids defense had no answer for the combination of Nyassi, Montero, and especially Zakuani. The Congolese-Englishman made enterprising use of a loose ball (7′); his shot hit the post but ricocheted off a terribly unlucky Matt Pickens and in.

Less than a minute later Omar made the most spectacular individual effort of the game, lacing a left-footer into Kasey Keller’s upper right 90. It was a great stretch of play from a neutral standpoint for the next ten minutes, culminating in Zakuani’s second goal (17′) off a great run by Nyassi. Conor nearly tied the game with a header two minutes later, then the game settled down for the rest of the first half.

View Omar’s Spectacular Goal

The second half was not to be anywhere as mesmorizing as the first. Smith stuck with his starting 11, who unlike the first half looked more organized on defense, but lackluster on offense. Looking for a spark, in the 65′ Lopez and Kimura came on for Smith and Earls. Other than a sitter that Cummings sent over the bar, the Rapids second half offense primarily consisted of sending headers 10 feet over the crossbar.

I’m really at a loss for words right now. Smith seems to be throwing darts a bit with his starting XI. Ballouchy…was typical Ballouchy. Lacks the grit of a holding MF, the bite of a defensive MF, or the class of an offensive MF. All in all, he’s had his chances the past two seasons and hasn’t taken them. He’s first vote off the island, and I’ve got other voices in the chorus.

Defensively Earls is bright and brings the coveted left foot, but Kosuke has much more pace and physical strength. Baudet is a commanding presence in the middle, but the Rapids defense was gashed more times than just the two goals.

El Capitan’s substitutions brought pace to the game, and in the case of Lopez some much needed distribution. Amarikwa hustles his ass off, but has he ever actually put a shot on Goal?

The sad reality is that the Rapids are lost at sea. Our work rate is good, our individual talent more than adequate, but as a team we lack cohesion. We are good for a few good body blows but seem to no longer have the knockout punch. There are many theories, but I proffer two conclusions that are becoming more iron clad with each game.

1. Ballouchy is in their to create, and he isn’t up to the task. We have to find another option.
2. Cummings and Casey up top is the best tandem, sans Henry and Juan Pablo Angel. Cummings wants to cut inside, rips defenses up when he goes inside, and is limited when he is a winger.

Another disappointing night for those who Bleed Burgundy.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Claudio Lopez, Fredy Montero, Kasey Keller, Kosuke Kimura, Omar Cummings, Quincy Amarikwa, Seattle Sounders

There is a proven formula for mediocrity, as evidenced by last years 10-10-10 record. It is to play as two different teams. One is dangerous on the attack, the other lacks service to the forwards. One pushes play forward on the wings and crosses into the middle, the other hits speculative long balls from the back.

Both teams have played this year. Both wear burgundy and sky blue. And we find the Rapids again at 1-1-1.

For all the turnover in the offseason, the Rapids looked very much the tentative team that bombed out of the playoffs. We went into Kansas City full of hope after a win and a tough draw (that should’ve been win #2 but for a shameless dive). On their cute little Fisher Price field our attack simply did not cause them any concern. Sure we had a half dozen chances, but only one or two could be attributed to build up.

When I see Larentowicz or Mastroeni hitting speculative balls from midfield towards the 18 yard box, I think “patience, lads.” When I see Moor and Kimura hitting speculative balls FROM THE BACKLINE I think “Lord have mercy.”

Now the Fisher Price pitch doesn’t help a team like us that relies on speedy wingers. But with all due respect to El Capitan Gary Smith, we had an entire week to strategize for that. No excuses. We were outplayed.

Changes I would like to see in our US Open Cup rematch against the Wizards

• Backline from left to right: Earls, Moor, Baudet, Wynne. Kimura just isn’t effective pushing up the wing on the right, I’d really like to see the pacey Wynne get a look.
• Larentowicz and Mastroeni need to come back and get the ball from the backs, no more of this long ball from the back crap
• We just simply aren’t getting service to our forwards. I’d like to see a bit more of a 4-4-1-1, with Casey up top and Cummings in behind

There’s a REASON Cummings led the league in assists last year. There’s a REASON Casey nearly got the Golden Boot. Casey sucks as a midfielder, he’s too slow on the ball. He is ridonculously good at being the big man up front. Let Cummings roam around, come back to get the ball, and make his amazing runs up the field. I’m not sure if Cummings has the ball control to play this role, but it sure as hell wouldn’t hurt to try.

Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis Drew Moor, Golden Boot, Jeff Larentowicz, Kansas City Wizards, Kosuke Kimura, Pablo Mastroeni, US Open Cup