Dissecting the draws

Colorado set a historical mark – well, actually two historical marks if you count the longest unbeaten streak in Franchise history – last Saturday against the Philadelphia Union when they drew their sixth straight game, 1-1. The six draws in a row are the most that any team has had in a row in Major League Soccer's short history, and it's beginning to get a bit frustrating to watch for Rapids fans, as the majority of these games were winnable.

Basically, let's dissect the form of Colorado through these draws and see just how good or bad Colorado has really been throughout.

Chicago Fire Home 1-1

Who scored first: Chicago, Colorado retaliated in the second half.

Which team had the better play overall?: Close, but Colorado had the edge. Chicago's only goal as well as most of their chances came on the counter while Colorado had the bulk of the possession throughout the match. Had it not been for a weakened defense, Chicago might not have scored at all.

Non-draw Result: Colorado Win

Philadelphia Union Home 1-1

Who scored first: Colorado, Philly retaliated four minutes later.

Which team had the better play overall?: Colorado in most facets. Although they had several slow periods where Philly had the better play, the Rapids outshot Philly by five with an extra shot on goal, and their regular shots looked more dangerous overall. They also had much better and more frequent passing than the Union.

Non-draw Result: Colorado Win

So after our totally scientific study here, we come out with a surprisingly respectable 5-2. The point of this? Well, Colorado has certainly not been playing terribly in this draw streak but unfortunate timing on opposition goals and the occasional crapping of the bed by the offense in tough places has lead to this great eight game unbeaten streak wherein seven of them were the almighty tie. A simple burst of good luck is all it would have taken from most of these games to make another Houston situational win.