Off to the Best Start in Rapids History
In a night where neither Omar Cummings nor Conor Casey started, the Rapids came away from the Home Depot Center with a 1-0 victory over Chivas USA. This was the first time in 63 games that at least one of them did not start. Omar was on national team duty with the Reggae Boys and Conor has had a troubled calf muscle this week. The lone goal came in the 32nd minute from always hustling, Quincy Amarikwa, compliments to a through ball from Jamie Smith. When I often question the technical ability of Amarikwa, he proved me wrong with a cheeky chip over a sliding Zach Thornton and finishing in an open net.
The 2-0 start is the first time in Rapids history beginning a season with two victories; a good indication that last season was not a fluke. Paired with Quincy for the night was the newest acquisition of the Rapids, Caleb Folan. The big man did well for his first MLS game and gave us a superb option while Conor works back towards match fitness. Once again our midfield and defense were solid and earned their first shutout of the season.
Looking back at the match yesterday, it had a tough act to follow. The US Men’s National team had a game against Messi & Argentina in a sold out Meadowlands Stadium. I do love the MLS but watching the Rapids play Chivas USA was a little rough after watching Messi, 2010 FIFA Player of the Year, exhibit his magic on the same pitch as our Comeback Kids. Also, I’m probably not the first person to say it, but Chivas USA is not an exciting team to watch. They are probably the one team I can’t wait till the match is over. We’ve dominated them in recent memory and last night’s match marked the fourth straight Chivas shutout. However, our Boys in Burgundy came away with a road victory and as well as a historic start to the 2011 season.
Major League Soccer (MLS), Rapids News and Analysis, US National Team
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.


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