Gosh, the MLS Script Writers went for it in this one. The Rapids went into Children’s Mercy Park on Saturday night, injured and frustrated. They found a way to make Fraser’s 100th game in charge a positive one.
The match mirrored the reverse fixture back on March 4. Some decent transition play and set pieces from both teams. No execution on the final product. Diego Rubio had that header a few minutes in. If it hadn’t surprised him, it would have been more threatening. Jonathan Lewis had that dribble off a broken set piece. Sam Nicholson and Max were live wires.
Lalas Abubakar had a nice moment 11 minutes in when he got to break his fast for Ramadan. That’s a new rule in MLS and it’s progressive and considerate. Sporting had the better half if you ask me.
But that first half was marred by a 38th minute head injury to Andreas Maxsรธ that saw him stretchered off. He appeared to be knocked out after the play for a bit. Burgundy Wave confirmed he was responsive and undergoing further testing in the stadium during the second half.
SKC gradually took control of the match in the second half. Pinned in their own half, Colorado couldn’t keep the ball or relieve the pressure. Until they did 68 minutes in.
A hopeful clearance to midfield saw Rubio and Michael Barrios go for it. Barrios made a great nonlinear run to move the one well-positioned defender and Tim Melia. Rubio recognized it and found the bottom left corner.
The Rapids put numbers behind the ball and held on for 20+ minutes to get their first win of the season.
Noteworthy Records and Accomplishments:
Firstly, Yarbrough tied the club record for clean sheets set by Matt Pickens with 29. He’s been fantastic since the signing of Marko Ilic. He’s earned his starting minutes. He should set a new record for clean sheets before the end of the month.
Fraser got another win as he hit the century mark for games as Rapids manager. He continues to maintain and set records for points per game through X number of games in charge.
Thoughts on Maxsรธ’s Injury:
I don’t like to speculate on injuries unless I hear something from a source or the club gives a public update. But if Maxsรธ’s injury is serious, the Rapids defense will take a step back without him.
One of the kids with limited MLS experience (Moise Bombito, Michael Edwards, Aboubacar Keita) will get an opportunity but be less good. Whatever small chance the Rapids had of making the playoffs will be hurt by this injury.
Regardless, the defense is flawed but continues to improve. Fraser can set them up to be good enough.
On the Offense:
Rubio loves to be a villain. Finally getting his first goal of the year and doing so at the home of his former team. You know he loves it.
Three goals this season. All in transition with basically just two attackers making it happen. Barrios to Bassett against Minnesota. Barrios to Cabral at Austin. Barrios and Rubio in this game.
Hopefully this is the start of a good run for Rubio. When all the forwards are healthy and available, Cabral’s relegated to third attacking sub. It’s still not clear if anyone can be a reliable secondary scoring option on this team. This will continue to limit their ceiling.
2 thoughts on “Injured and Under Duress, Rapids Find a way in Fraser’s 100th Game”
[…] Andreas Maxsรธ was out having suffered a concussion in the club’s first win of the season last week. Steven Beitashour stepped into the defense. Cole Bassett returned to the lineup, having missed two […]
[…] first match during Ramadan was on the road at Sporting KC, their first win of the year. Just after the 10th minute, the referee called for a stoppage, allowing Abubakar to come to the […]
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John Babiak
[…] Andreas Maxsรธ was out having suffered a concussion in the club’s first win of the season last week. Steven Beitashour stepped into the defense. Cole Bassett returned to the lineup, having missed two […]
[…] first match during Ramadan was on the road at Sporting KC, their first win of the year. Just after the 10th minute, the referee called for a stoppage, allowing Abubakar to come to the […]