Commerce City, Colo.- The Rapids had one of their most impressive offensive performances on Saturday against Seattle, but were unable to pick up all three points, letting the Sounders back into the match late on.
Morgan Whittaker scored a brace and Donavan Phillip opened his MLS account. It was 3-1 late on before Seattle responded with two goals. It was a disappointing draw on a positive offensive night for Colorado.
Attention now turns to an away trip to the LA Galaxy on Sep. 26th.
Nico Hansen
Three goals conceded on the night, none of which can totally be deemed his fault. His distribution was good, and he commanded the box well. The first goal, there wasn’t good enough marking, and the two other goals were bangers. 6/10
Reggie Cannon
A good night for Cannon again. He was energetic in the press and got forward on the wings well. His passing range was excellent. Cannon maybe could have been closed down quicker on the third goal. 6/10
Rob Holding
Holding performed decently, but still it was three goals conceded from the Rapids defense on Seattle. On the second goal, he could have closed down Dejan Joveljic quicker. He was allowed space to curl in a brilliant goal. Also, Colorado was beaten to the header on the Seattle equalizer. 5/10
Loic Williams
Not a terrible night for Williams. There isn’t much more you can do on two of Seattle’s goals. The header is won too easily. Williams was good in possession too, providing the wide ball to Aaronson, who found Whittaker, opening the scoring. 6/10
Miguel Navarro
Much of the same for Navarro. A good, but disappointing night from Colorado’s defense. Navarro got forward well, but not enough for all three points. 5/10
Wayne Frederick
Another start for Frederick at defensive midfield. It was a decent showing, and he was good on the ball in pockets and finding wingers in space. Defensively, he got stuck in and showed good work rate and energy. 6/10
Paxten Aaronson
Aaronson ended the night well. He was positive with the ball, and didn’t shy away from creating opportunities. Interestingly, he seemed to be more of a wide option. He got himself two brilliant assists, linking up with Whittaker on both of them. They seem to be connecting well early. 7.5/10
Hamzat Ojediran
Paired alongside Frederick in defensive midfield. Ojediran provided a good attacking threat, and he got himself into the right areas. He stifled some of Seattle’s counter attacks. After the third Rapids goal, Seattle was allowed back into the game. The midfield sunk and allowed space to open up. 5/10
Morgan Whittaker
A fantastic night for Whittaker. He looked the most active and dangerous player when he was on the pitch. Two goals that he made look easy and nearly a hattrick. Whittaker looked really good in a more central position. Unfortunately, Colorado couldn’t see the game out. 8/10 man of the match
Donavan Phillip
What a month it has been for Phillip. He was active and opened his MLS account by being in the right place at the right time. He’s a guy deserving of a goal, bringing hard work and energy out wide. 7.5/10
Sayed Abu Farki
A frustrating night for Farki. He just never got going on the night. Farki struggled to impact the play going forward. He came off in the 63rd minute for Darren Yapi. 5/10
Substitutions
Darren Yapi
Yapi entered the game in the 63rd minute for Farki. Yapi looked slightly more dangerous than Abu Farki, but struggled to create from the middle of the pitch. 6/10
Joshua Atencio, Georgi Minoungou, Noah Cobb subbed on too late to be judged fairly
Matt Wells
It hasn’t been a great week for the Colorado Rapids. Knocked out of the U.S Open Cup on Wednesday by three goals, and gave up a 3-1 lead against a lowly Seattle at home, ending the win streak.
There’s still some mentality issues, Wells was upset with how Colorado saw the game out, and how the team has reacted when conceding goals. Is this a team or a manager issue? That’s not entirely clear yet, but something has to be done. The subs were questionable nearing the end of the match.
With playoffs just around the corner, Colorado needs to pick up these important points against teams beneath them in the table.
A positive in the night is that the Rapids offense was finally able to get going against Seattle, much to the joy of Whittaker. 7/10
Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. You can also make a one-time contribution via Tip Jar. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.
Matt Pollard 
Spencer Baldwin 