A 2-2 draw may not have been exactly what Rapids fans were dreaming of, especially considering Sporting KC was riding a 3 game losing streak. But after a disastrous start, the Rapids showed considerable heart and a creative flair to claw their way back into a point.

First Half

Pickens was uncharacteristically shaky, 1st Half

The Rapids carried injuries into the game before 15,269 at DSGP, including Cummings, Mastroeni, Mullan, and Marvell Wynne. The makeshift back 4 had a nightmare start, giving up a goal just 71 seconds. Teal Bunbury made a run into the box, completely unmarked, and headed home a simple cross from Sinovic. The Rapids responded with some positive offensive movement of their own, but still looking vulnerable down the wings, in the middle…basically everywhere in the back.

Casey was open on goal in the 12′ thanks to sloppy passing by the KC defense. Uncharacteristically, but as might be expected from the long layoff, hit the shot directly DIRECTLY at the head of the goal keeper who made the easy save. His first touch let him down, but an “in form” Casey would’ve put it home.

Waiting to taste goal again

A minute later Pickens made a  huge save to deny a second KC goal off a Kei Kamara volley. But they he made an absolute mess of a throw from Matt Besler, not taking the long toss cleanly, and Bunbury calmly hit the ball into the open net.

Rapids down 2-0, just 14 minutes in. Sigh.

Casey tried a spectacular volley off a cross in the 19′, but didn’t hit it cleanly. In the 25′ Nielsen made a spectacular kick save after his own poor clearance on a set piece let to a Drew Moor shot. The Rapids continued to press, with Rivero and Castrillon creating, but there seemed an absence of understanding with the forwards about the where’s and when’s of their runs. Casey managed to make an absolute nuisance of himself in and around the box nonetheless (a foreshadowing of things to come), which was an encouraging sight for the Rapids faithful.

The final verdict in the first half: while the Rapids controlled most of the flow of play, and kept much of that possession in KC’s half. And while KC had just one more shot on goal than the Rapids (5-4), the chances they did have were clear cut and KC took them.

Second Half

The Rapids continued “keep away” in the second half, moving the ball methodically back and forth across the pitch. Rivero, as only South Americans can, made an shady tackle look like first degree assault. The result: a yellow card, and a free kick about 35 yards out. On the ensuing free kick, Rivero send a perfect…I mean purrrrfect ball to the edge of the 6 yard box, where Tyrone Marshall made up for some questionable defending with a gorgeous header; hard, low, and across the keeper into the net. Rapids now down only 2-1, 52′.

Forget SpaceX. Jeff Larentowicz's free kicks are the real rocket launch.

A picture perfect cross from “Rapids #9″ almost, and probably should’ve resulted in goal #2 off Castrillon’s head just feet from goal (Castrillon is having some issssues finishing IMHO). But it was another set piece that delivered the equalizer soon after. With three men lined up, Larentowicz sent a blistering, scorching low ball low and to the Nielsen’s left. He did well to palm the ball away, but the Conor Casey makes a living out of eating up messes in the box. Casey collected the rebound and sent a hard low pass back into the 6 yard box, which Kosuke Kimura side-footed home to level the match. Rapids 2 – Sporting KC 2.

Sporting KC began to press, setting up set pieces of their own which the Rapids defended much more aggressively. Sporting KC continued the pressure, getting their back four all the way up to midfield and forcing the Rapids to play from the counter which is not their strength. The game slowed down, and KC started lobbing in cross after cross. But the previously porous Rapids defense stood firm, and Pickens took to punching instead of catching the dicier crosses.

The game began to open up with just minutes remaining, with Kamani picking Rivero out in the midst of traffic. Rivero’s header had pace but was too centered between the posts and Nielsen saved without too much trouble. Sporting KC countered but couldn’t do anything with a generous free kick earned 25 yards out. The final minutes were frantic, but the score held for a draw.

Takeaways

The spine of the Rapids was the key to the Rapids success over the last 2 years. With Casey & Cummings up top, Larentowicz and Mastroeni in the midfield, and Wynne and Moor in the back, the Rapids were extremely difficult to break down. With injuries affecting all but Larentowicz and Moor, with Cummings’s inconsistency, and with a new style of play, we’ve lost some of that stability in the middle of the pitch.

Nonetheless the Rapids coalesced in the second half to prevent any further bleeding. And the offensive output showed there is no shortage of creativity on the pitch. Casey, Rivero, and Cascio all look dangerous every time they touch the ball. What we lack is that understanding built over several seasons; knowing the run a forward will make before he makes it.

The Rapids showed a lot of courage, and Marshall deserves a lot of credit for raising his game. Moor and Larentowicz were predictably strong, and Rivero showed that creative flair we’ve all been looking for throughout the match.

It may have only been a draw, but after a terrible start, most Rapids fans left considerably heartened by the boys in burgundy’s gutsy performance.

The means may have been more heart than class, but the result was simply splendid. Down to 10 men for most of the second half, Pareja’s boys in burgundy showed incredible heart and timely opportunism. Who was your man of the  match?

It was the start of the Oscar Pareja era…but let’s to the boys in burgundy who took the pitch: Who was the best? Click “read more” and vote!

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

I can still see the Rocky Mountain Cup being carried to the Rapids supporter section with the burgundy and sky blue ribbons attached to its handles. Taking a moment to stare at the Cup while it makes its way down the concourse, the Rapids colors were already waving and I remember the thought that the trophy is finally coming back to the right side of the Rockies. In the 89th minute, my thought of Real Salt Lake coming away with a tie was impossible with the Rapids holding a 2-0 lead on a cold October night. And then shock began.

The final match of the regular MLS season still leaves a sick taste in my mouth. In the 90th minute, Saborio scores on a horrific mistake from Matt Pickens. 2-1. In the 95th minute, stoppage time, RSL gets a gift of a call in the box which leads to Saborio putting his PK in the back of the Rapids net. 2-2. All it takes is a tie in the series and the Rocky Mountain Cup stays with last year’s winner.

After the second RSL goal, I see the Rocky Mountain Cup being walked back over to the traveling Salt Lake fan section. The Rapids colors were being taken off the trophy. That’s how close it was to being ours. Not to mention Nat Borchers’ header in the 93rd minute during the first leg of the competition at Rio Tinto. The Rapids had less than one minute left in the match to give RSL their first home loss of the 2010 season. Instead, the final score was 1-1. Their home-unbeaten streak still stands today.

Tomorrow, the Rocky Mountain Cup starts it trek back to DSG Park. Rio Tinto is still a fortress but the team with the best chance to bring down those walls is our Colorado Rapids, a feat that should have been accomplished last year. If any of last year’s matches are an indication of what’s to come, fans of the MLS will be looking forward to two dates on the season schedule, April 13th and October 14th. Glory, glory Colorado!

Bring me men to match my mountains, Bring me men to match my plains. Men with empires in their purpose And new eras in their brains.

JMH

It sounded good. With 3 matches in 10 days, concluding with the massive first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup, why not test our vaunted new depth? Gary Smith gave super sub Sanna Nyassi and Open Cup starter Joseph Nane a chance to start in midfield, and the result looked more like the Rapids reserve team than the defending MLS Champs.

[Brian: Think of something positive to say for  final draft], but the night was otherwise one Rapids fans will hope to soon forget. David Ferreira spent about the same amount of time behind our back line as Matt Pickens. Our normally stalwart back 4 was porous as swiss cheese, and the tip of of the Rapids spear was sharp as a marble.

This match shows four devastatingly simple truths

1. The Rapids strength starts in our midfield.
   While Mullan may have lost a step or two, his work rate in midfield is currently irreplaceable. While Nyassi is a creative force, Mullan tracks back and kicks shins. He is a dogged defender in getting the ball back and preventing attacks down the wings. Nane was similarly ineffective (@Craig_de_Aragon called him the potential successor to Mehdi).
2. The strength of our defense is in the bottom of the spine.
   The spine of our defense is our steely, defensive midfield pairing of Larentowicz and Mastroeni, combined with Moor and Wynne at the back. Those four control the flow of the game, not necessarily dominating possession but breaking up enemy attacks. Without that spine, and with the wings exposed, it is remarkable we only gave up 3 goals
3. “We are one injury away from being average”
   @BMer916 tweeted this last night, referring to an injury to a CM or defender. After last night I’m more concerned about our central midfield, but his point is absolutely valid. If we lose any of the four members of the bottom part of the spine for any length of time, we are in trouble.
4. We don’t have “Champions” depth yet
   Here’s what I mean: when you look at the Barcelona’s and Man U’s of the world, they have a cache of 3 or 4 players that can fill multiple roles, and keep the team from losing a step when injuries happen. It also allows them to compete successfully in multiple competitions. Now, I know the payroll and scales are different, but the principles remains. Moor, Wynne, and Cummings can play multiple positions effectively, but they are already desperately needed where they are. Wells Thompson has shown himself a capable and flexible sub, but is not a 90 minute solution at any position. Nyassi and Nane did not inspire confidence they are answers either

However, having laid out the serious concerns, in the words of Third Eye Blind, “why don’t you step back from that ledge my friend.” Here are three encouraging signs

1. The Rapids have 11 or 12 are championship Caliber starters
   Folan has shown himself to be a legitimate alternative to Casey, as he will need to be for the next 2-4 weeks after Casey tweaked his hammie. The rest of the starting XI has looked like a team that can repeat.
2. Smith has a long term view
   Remember this time last year, when every week seemed to be a different squad? Smith is not afraid to try combinations and find what works. El Capitan knows that this is a long season, even longer with multiple competitions. He is committed to developing a deeper squad, and either through player development or acquisition, and Vegas odds are that he will pull it off. He’s shown what he’s capable of.
3. Rapids have 9 points out of 4 games
   Concerns about depth notwithstanding, last night also can be partially chalked up to an emotional letdown against an opponent that had a lot to prove. They were “up” for the game, and we weren’t. Plain and simple. That same letdown performance against Chivas USA may have netted us a draw at best, but we simply didn’t play well.

The players need to have a short memory, and get ready for war against Fake Salt Lake. The staff and management need to have a longer memory, and have some hard discussions about potentially trading depth at striker for depth in midfield.

Here we are, 10 days away from MLS First Kick 2011. There’s something in the air this year that feels different from past seasons. From the perspective of a Colorado Rapids fan, maybe it’s because for the first time, our boys in burgundy are defending a Championship title. Maybe it’s the thought that for the first time, we’ll get to see CONCACAF action at DSG Park later this summer. (It sure isn’t the Open Cup since we lost another coin flip for hosting matches… Again.) Or maybe it’s just because I see professional soccer gaining traction in Colorado. After all, the Rapids are the latest Champions in the Denver area since the 2000-2001 Colorado Avalanche won the Stanley Cup. Note: The Colorado Mammoth won the NLL Championship in 2006.

“Colorado! This is your Championship team!”

Outside of the things we get to look forward to at Dick Sporting Goods Park, the Rapids front office has been working hard to gain more traction in the area. Our supporter groups are steadily growing in size and the Rapids staff works very hard growing those relationships. I expect the supporter terrace to be filled with more fans this year and to give the north end of the stadium an amazing environment to cheer and celebrate. On top of this, being the reigning champions means every team is coming to play us with the mentality, that we’re the team to beat. From a fan’s perspective, the quality of soccer will be raised. It has to be in order to defend the title.

Sure there are still a few gripes with the front office, whether that’s not being able to own the new kits until June, the lack of star power without a DP (we’re down to the last few teams in the league without ever having a DP slot filled) or utilizing the Rapids official website in ways like Seattle and New York have been, like preseason match streaming, but slowly they’re improving. Just like in the case with Don Garber and his vision for MLS, I think he’s doing things the right way, even though there are plenty of little improvements that would help the league. Capping off at 20 teams for awhile, will give the league time to grow and put the focus on teams like the Rapids to ramp up soccer in the area and grow a larger fan base. The MLS 2011 season has much to look forward and with last year’s success, the Rapids have changed the winds of soccer in Colorado.

JMH

The Rapids are into the Eastern Conference Final, and will have the advantage of home turf at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. In a win that typifies the Rapids gutsy season, the Rapids secured the tie on aggregate goals and then finished off the Crew on penalty kicks.

The Crew completely dominated the opening stretch and got a much deserved goal by Gaven in the 22′ off a Schelotto pass (more on that later).

The Rapids were fortunate to only be down 1-0, with a shot off the post (4′), another just past the far post (6′), Robbie Roger…you guessed it…just wide of the post (7′), a great save by Pickens (19′), and a diving clearance off the line by Wynne as the ball was headed into the open net (21′).

From then on the balance of the control was held by the Rapids, with two good chances within 6 minutes after the goal: a Casey header, and a Larentowicz rocket off the post from a set piece.

The Rapids continued to press and create chances in the second half, but that didn’t stop Robbie Rogers from nicking a goal against the run of play in the 70′. From then on the Rapids threw everything they had at the Crew, and got their goal in the 84′. It was a classic move down the right by Cummings, a perfect little pass into the 6 yard box, and a little poke from Casey brought Colorado level at 2-2 aggregate (2-1 in this game).

The Crew looked absolutely gassed, but the Rapids couldn’t put one through in overtime. That sent the game to penalty kicks, and my blood pressure up a few notches. Against Andy Gruenebaum, the Crew keeper making only his 2nd start of the season, you had to feel we had the advantage. Casey, Kandji, Larentowicz, Lopez, and Baudet all buried their PK’s. In the end it wasn’t the Crew’s keeper, but defender Brian Carroll who kicked it into Pennsylvania.

Schelotto caused all sorts of problems for the Rapids, as he does for so many teams. As we head into the match versus Columbus, we won’t face a playmaker of his quality, but we will be facing Wondolowski who is absolutely on fire. The Rapids will need to stay solid across the back, which I fully expect they will.

Teams are on to Cummings brilliance. Though no team in the league can contain him for 90′, it emphasizes the importance of Smith and Mastroeni creating through the middle of the field. Mullan was solid, though its unlikely he’ll play the full 90. He was substituted today for Kandji, but I’d rather see Wells Thompson. Kandji still does not seem to have the confidence he needs as a striker to make decisive moves, though his size does give opponents pause.

Coach Smith has starting XI set, they are playing as a unit, and this club peaking at the right time. Rapids fans cannot help but be excited to take on San Jose at home, this Saturday at 7:30pm. Go Rapids!