RSS
Rapids facing Crew with clock ticking
June 5 was a long time ago. The kids were out of school, the World Cup was yet to start and the Colorado Rapids were off to a fantastic start.
Now, the kids are back in class, Spain reigns as world champions, and the Rapids are mired in a muddled middle.
Colorado gets the chance to take a big step forward Saturday when the team travels to Columbus to take on the Crew. When the two squads met at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on June 5, the Rapids secured a 1-0 win off a late combination from Jamie Smith to the head of defender Drew Moor.
At the time, the Rapids were 6-3-1, the team’s best start after 10 games. Since then, Colorado has gone 1-2-6, as the team has struggled to score and defending took a dip.
However, the Rapids looked in command at DSG in beating San Jose 1-0 on Aug. 7, and escaped Philadelphia with a point after tying the Union 1-1 last Saturday. Plus, the defense has only given up two goals in the past three games.
Columbus has gone 5-3-1 since losing to Colorado, but the Crew has looked vulnerable. The team has surrendered six goals in the past three games, compiling a 1-2-0 mark. In addition, the Crew faces Municipal of Guatemala in a CONCACAF Champions League match on Wednesday while the Rapids rest until Saturday.
Colorado’s game will be broadcast locally on KWGN, Denver Channel 2, at 5 p.m.
Armstrong Signing: Is it a good sign that the Colorado Rapids made a big splash about signing Davy Armstrong to a professional contract?
Armstrong is the first player developed through the Rapids Academy to sign a pro deal. Armstrong passed up on a college scholarship to take his chance as a Rapid.
While it may be great for Armstrong, he’s probably several years away from making any impact on the senior team.
It’s also hard to get excited by this move as the team struggles to score goals and secure a playoff spot. I’m a tactical thinker, and right now the number one concern should be getting into the playoffs. Feels like that was missed.
Necaxa Offer: The Mexican side Necaxa made a move for Rapids forward Omar Cummings and was rebuffed by the club. It’s great that there is outside interest in Cummings, but it is a big concern for the future of the club if he goes.
Who plays in his absence?
Andre Akpan and Quincy Amarikwa are the only other forwards on the roster. While I like Amarikwa, he’s not quite the done deal. Akpan was fine at Harvard, but he has yet to see the field in the MLS.
Leave your response!