Colorado Rapids got one point, but it’s the two points we didn’t get in our final home game that have Rapids fans concerned. New England have struggled to score recently, and this looked to be our best chance to secure a playoff spot. I’m not saying the alarm is sounding, but I can hear some kind of high pitch beeping.
Basics
The Rapids came out in a 3-5-2 before the 16,535 that were in attendance. This formation was likely designed to generate the service to Thunder & Lighting that have eluded us (our last non-PK goal was September 12th). It gave our offense a spark in the first half that we have lacked over the last month, and our boys worked their tails off as they do every week.
We were able to contain New England all day, but gave up an open header to Dube and he didn’t waste the chance. The Revolution had few chances off open play, and one can’t help but wonder what “would’ve been” if we had covered that free kick better or made more use of our own free kicks.
Bummer
The Rapids continue to struggle finding that final ball. The 3-5-2 created more chances, but Casey and Cummings now only expect 1 legitimate chance per game on goal. Early in the season, it was more like 3 or 4. As Gary Smith mentioned, we will have to be near flawless on executing those chances, which simply isn’t realistic. Even the best strikers in the world like Fernando Torres or Lionel Messi do not execute anywhere near 100% on golden chances.
I’m starting to feel like a broken record…but where is our service going to come from for the rest of this season? Players like Ballouchy and LaBrocca are playing very well, but simply do not have the killer instinct like Colin Clark had.
Bonus
- The calls have gone our way when we needed them to. Plain and simple, the PK’s have been our life ring, and Casey has not wasted them.
- Preston Burpo is playing excellent in goal for Pickens. He hasn’t registered the clean sheet I’m sure he wants, but is playing a steady veteran game every Saturday.
Backtalk
For the backtalk, I’ll be putting up the same survey about whether we are going to make the playoffs. Has your opinion changed? I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but the Rapids have gone from one of the most prolific attacks in the MLS to a team who just can’t put it in the back of the net.
Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis
Colin Clark, Conor Casey, Gary Smith, New England Revolution, Omar Cummings
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