Player Ratings: Rapids Dominate Possession, Get Result at LAFC in Frustrating Road Draw

Los Angeles- For Matt Wells and the Colorado Rapids, BMO Stadium and LAFC has not historically been a kind away trip. This time, the Rapids dominated proceedings and were unlucky not to come away with three points.

Colorado stifled LAFC’s strong attack and created a lot of chances of their own. The Rapids attack was unlucky not to open the scoring in the first half.

As the game continued, LAFC grew into the game and had plenty of chances, the draw was probably the fair result on the night. 

The glaring positive from the draw was Colorado’s domination in a place where they’ve never drawn or won. Matt Wells is clearly changing the Rapids way. 

Now, Colorado will turn their attention to top of the table Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday. 

Zack Steffen

A clean sheet on the night for Steffen. He made several really important stops pushing things over the bar and helping to stifle LAFC’s attack. Steffen looked more confident and composed on the ball in buildup and possession. A good night. 7/10

Kosi Thompson

Another start for Thompson and another solid showing. He was key in buildup and defended the wing play of LAFC brilliantly. He got forward on multiple occasions, just lacking quality in the final cross, but a strong showing on both sides of the ball. 7/10

Rob Holding

A clean sheet, and one of the best performances from Holding in a Rapids shirt. He was clinical in stopping through balls, made several key tackles, and was composed on the ball. A big reason why the Rapids were successful lies with Holding and Herrington. Holding also got in on the attack, looking dangerous and causing real issues. 8/10

Lucas Herrington

A near perfect performance from the youngster. Herrington played all 90 minutes and compiled some impressive stats. He completed 120 passes, won six out of seven duels, made four tackles and clearances, and was dribbled by zero times. What a night, and a key player for Colorado. 9/10 man-of-the-match

Jackson Travis

Travis looked good on the night. In matches where chances are seldom found, defensively and tactically, players have to be switched on, and Travis was on it. In the first half, he made several important stops where LAFC looked through. On the attacking side, he got forward, and was key in buildup. Subbed off in the 56th for an injury, hopefully nothing serious. 7/10

Hamzat Ojediran

Ojediran was very good in and out of possession. His work rate and tackling were second to none. He got on the ball in pockets well, progressing play forward and creating dangerous opportunities. Ojediran continues to be a big part of Well’s style of play, and how the Rapids dominated possession going forward. 8/10

Josh Atencio

Much improved from last week’s performance. Atencio was solid in tackles and stifled LAFC’s midfield play alongside Ojediran. He received the ball in pockets and caused problems. Early in the first half, he drove at LAFC and split a pass into Rafael Navarro, who nearly opened the scoring. A good response from last week. 7/10

Wayne Frederick

In at the ten over Aaronson, who was rotated out of the squad. Frederick did well to get on the ball and always looked dangerous going forward. An impressive work rate and tactical smartness shows how much he’s matured under Wells. An overall good performance from the Rapids midfielder. 7/10

Dante Sealy 

Sealy was bright and dangerous in and out of possession. He pressed well, causing a lot of issues in LAFC’s buildup. Offensively, Sealy got at players and played a multitude of dangerous balls into the box. Early in the first half, his shot was just tipped over the bar by Hugo Lloris, but Sealy continued to improve out wide. 8/10

Rafael Navarro

Although there were no goals or assists to show for it, Navarro looked dynamic, dangerous and bright. He continues to show why he’s tied for the lead in MLS in goal contributions. It’s been a breakout start for the Rapids designated player. Offensively, he held the ball up fantastic and created a lot of chances with his quality. Off the ball, his press and work rate seriously stifled LAFC’s momentum. Another good performance. 8/10

Darren Yapi

Yapi looked dangerous at times, but lacked some quality in taking players on and delivering dangerous crosses. He was good in buildup play and linked up well with Sealy, Frederick, and Navarro in moments. With so much possession, the goals have to come from somewhere. Nothing to be too harsh about. 7/10

Substitutes

Miguel Navarro 

Navarro came on in the 56th minute for the injured Jackson Travis. A solid showing off the bench. He defended the wing play well and showed his quality to help keep the match scoreless. 7/10

Georgi Minoungou

Minoungou came on in the 61st minute for Dante Sealy. He struggled to take players on, and LAFC really stifled his ability to create as he’s shown in the past. Otherwise, a solid showing off the bench. 6/10

Paxten Aaronson 

Aaronson also came off the bench in the 61st for Darren Yapi. He created a few chances, and looked very dangerous. Aaronson defended well, and despite not getting the start, showed his depth and quality in an important last 30 minutes. 8/10

Alexis Manyoma subbed on too late to be judged fairly

Matt Wells

The first Rapids head coach to get a favorable result in Los Angeles has to feel good. Wells implemented his dominant possession style of play, something Colorado has tried before at LAFC. This time, Rapids dominated, Colorado looked far better in the first half. 

On another day, the Rapids win this one, and Wells will be frustrated with the draw, but that’s now two weeks where Well’s side looked truly competitive against top teams in MLS. 

It’s been a while since that feeling, and Wells has played a huge part in getting the most out of this squad, not shying away from competition, and truly changing how the Rapids dominated posession and top MLS teams. 

Tip of the hat to you Matt Wells. 8/10

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