Commerce City, Colo.- The Rapids suffered defeat at San Diego on Saturday in a game of too many defensive mistakes. In both boxes, Colorado struggled to create meaningful chances and defend solidly.
Although the run of form has been good since the break, Matt Wells’ side will look to regroup for next weekend’s massive Rocky Mountain Cup against Real Salt Lake.
Nico Hansen
Three goals conceded, none of which can really be blamed on him. The first two goals were far too easy and should have been defended better. The third goal happened after the Rapids went after San Diego in the second half. A disappointing defensive showing. 5/10
Reggie Cannon
A night of too many mistakes as Cannon said to Burgundy Wave in the post game presser. He was still physical and reacted well in the second half. Defensively, all-around, Colorado was far too open on the flanks and through the middle. 5/10
Loic Williams
An unfamiliar performance for Williams. He wasn’t as composed on the ball, and he was caught out of position far too often. On all three goals, defensively, it was too open and there was never enough organization or pressure. 5/10
Rob Holding
It was a poor night from Rob Holding. There were several mistakes that put the Rapids out of reach in San Diego. The second goal is a clear miscommunication between him and Hamzat Ojediran, which leads to a free second goal. It has to be better. 4/10
Kosi Thompson
Thompson filled in for the injured Miguel Navarro. He was out at left back and also inverted into the middle. Thompson struggled at times to keep the ball and was sloppy in possession. There were some good moments out wide, but it just wasn’t good enough. 5/10
Hamzat Ojediran
Ojediran got into good pockets of space, and he was able to create some danger going forward. The second half reaction was a lot better. He distributed it well, but defensively, it wasn’t good enough. The midfield left gaps for San Diego to exploit all night. 5/10
Josh Atencio
Atencio returned to the starting lineup, paired alongside Ojediran in defensive midfield. The Rapids struggled to bring a threat to San Diego. Atencio wasn’t as creative going forward, but he was good defensively. Atencio was subbed off at the half. 5/10
Paxten Aaronson
Aaronson was again at the ten for the Rapids. He looked bright and active going forward, but it just wasn’t Colorado’s night attacking-wise. Aaronson distributed the ball wide, doing his best to create dangerous chances. He wasn’t as influential as he’s been. 6/10 man of the match
Dante Sealy
It’s been a difficult season production wise for Colorado wingers. Sealy had difficulty finding moments to impact the game. He took some players on, looked to be dangerous, but there was a clear lack of creativity and quality. Sealy came off at halftime. 5/10
Rafael Navarro
Navarro was again at forward. It’s been difficult for him to get the service he needs to be able to make a difference. His work rate was good defensively, but he wasn’t able to impact the game, despite his dangerous runs and active work. 5/10
Georgi Minoungou
Minoungou was not able to produce enough offensively for the Rapids to get into the match. He was active and does well to get on the ball, but lacks in his ability to make a difference. The final quality and decisions must improve. 5/10
Substitutes
Youssef Maziz
Maziz entered at the break for Ojediran, a move that Wells hoped would bring some freedom and creativity. The second half was definitely better from Colorado. Maziz brought creativity, but lacked quality in some of his deliveries. 6/10
Wayne Frederick
Frederick was also brought in at the break for Josh Atencio. It was a tactical switch meant to inject some physicality and defensive presence. Frederick did well defensively and added some attacking threat. 6/10
Darren Yapi
Yapi was also a part of the slew of changes at halftime. He was subbed in out wide for Sealy. Yapi found some more spaces, but also struggled to impact and influence. 5/10
Alex Harris
It was another switch out wide for Wells. Harris entered at the hour mark for Minoungou to change things up. Harris looked bright and energetic, but it was a bit too late in the match for Colorado. 5/10
Keegan Rosenberry subbed on too late to be judged fairly
Matt Wells
For Wells, it’s not time to hit the panic button. Despite the run of form, the Rapids just didn’t have enough quality for San Diego.
Wells looked at this game analytically, and it wasn’t a failure or a disaster. It was a night of far too many mistakes and imperfect habits.
Holistically, it’s been a good return to MLS play. Outside of tonight, Colorado have been solid defensively and have gotten back into playoff position. The concerning highlight of tonight is the lack of a difference maker to get Colorado back into the game.
Additionally, the Rapids have not been good when conceding first. That has to change. Now, Wells has to refocus, learn from the loss, and get a result when Salt Lake comes to town next week. 6/10
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Matt Pollard 
Tyler Atkins 