Colorado's offense has needed a 'that guy' all season long. They've been seeking the guy that can make something out of nothing, goals from scratch. Without him, they've struggled to consistently put goals on the board, and most of the goals that have been scored by the Rapids this season can be put down to luck and circumstance more than actual skill.
We've been itching to see someone grab the reins of the offense for quite a while now, and I think we found a candidate on Saturday: Kevin Harbottle.
Harbottle didn't just win the game for Colorado, he put on a show. Three goals, all unassisted. That's all Harbottle, and those goals were no joke. It was easier of course because a USL team was in town, but they'll be facing a Quakes team this weekend that just lost their coach and have been dire on the road, and just about everywhere else as well, so far this season. (Their 23 goals allowed so far is the fourth worst in MLS.) That's a good starting point for someone who is coming off of a hat trick, I think.
As for who he would replace? That's a story for another day. You can give Harris or Brown a rest, I just want to see the Harbottle released against the Earthquakes so we can see if the young Chilean is really all he was cracked up to be against the Islanders. Just, you know, don't start him in the center of midfield again. That's just trolling me outright.
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Matt Pollard 