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. We attempted the long ball to Cummings all game long, but it produced only a couple half chances.

Casey was frequently coming back close to midfield in the attack and becoming a 5th midfielder to try and create chances. Excellent work all day from Casey, but that far back is not where you want the best striker in the MLS playing.

San Jose played valiantly, creating the majority of the action through the game. But the Rapids persevered and gained a point.

I think it would be difficult to overstate how important the one point is. Coming into this weekend the Rapids were tied in the wildcard race at 36 points with Chivas and DC United. More importantly, Toronto, New England, and Fake Salt Lake all at 34 would have leapfrogged the Rapids if we lost. Being at 37 points ensure we stay in the thick of it regardless of what else happens.

Bonus

We worked hard and got lucky. I’m really not sure what else to say. The boys in sky blue worked hard, very hard, but simply lacked a midfielder who could dictate the pace of the game. Ballouchy can be creative, but needs a Mastroeni for muscle and possession. The lack of Colin Clark is also glaring.

But this is the “bonus” section and the fact is we never gave up, and attacked until the very last minute, earning a PK and a point.

Bummer

As I said above…the lack of midfield depth is glaring. If only Cookie was still on the bench…

The good news is, Mastroeni is coming back and hopefully he won’t elbow anyone in the face for a while.

Backtalk

How many points will it take to get in the playoffs? Marcel Balboa in the weekly show with Gary Smith said he thinks 42, which El Capitan thought was reasonable. What do you think?