The Rapids return home for their first ever matchup against San Diego FC on Saturday. In the broadcast booth will be former MLS player-turned-commentator, Lloyd Sam. The winger played for nine years in England for various clubs before making the move to MLS with the New York Red Bulls in 2012. Sam played for seven seasons in the United States with both New York and D.C. United. He will call Saturday’s match alongside Neil Sika on the English broadcast for Apple TV and MLS Season Pass this weekend.
You played for a season under Chris Armas when he was an Assistant Coach with the New York Red Bulls. What was your experience with him both as a coach and as a person?
As a person, top, top, top. One of the best I can remember. He was always approachable and able to have any kind of conversation you wanted. You know when you get a nice warm feeling when you go and speak to someone? You get that feeling with him. When you go to him for something, you feel like you could go back anytime. I was only with him for a year, so obviously, I would have found out more if I was there longer when he was Head Coach. As an assistant, I really couldn't have asked for a more welcoming presence. Even when it came down to doing work afterwards, he was always ready to work and give advice. One of the best guys, honestly, you know, you never saw him angry. Also, what we knew about him as a player: he was a pit bull in the midfield. He's got another side to him. You know that he plays with the highest integrity, he's tough to tackle, and he'll do all that stuff. But, you know, the other side of him is a very welcoming and easy guy to speak to.
You were on the call for Colorado’s season opener in St. Louis. What have you seen from this Rapids squad since then?
I mean, the sad part is, you saw it against Charlotte, and then you don't see it against Vancouver. That’s part of the inconsistency. I felt like the Charlotte match was a good game for Colorado. Charlotte was a good team coming over and they didn't have any big chances while Colorado created at least four. Obviously, it was great to see Djordje Mihailovic take over and be the difference getting two goals on the day. I thought that was a really good performance. That’s the Mihailovic and the Rapids team that you want to see.
Are there any key Rapids players that you believe will have added impact against San Diego?
Zack Steffen. It's weird that I said a goalkeeper. I say that because San Diego is one of the best teams that creates chances through intricate play. They're a really top team already. Steffen is going to need to be outstanding again because San Diego seems to be creating chances every game they play. They are playing the same way over and over. They're a really good team right now. I just watched the match against San Jose again yesterday, as well. Steffen was unbelievable.
How do you see Saturday’s match playing out?
Because it's just after Vancouver, where they were winning the ball back, moving quite quickly, and creating a lot of chances, I think Colorado need to be careful again. Sometimes they left themselves a little bit open. To win this game, that's going to be something they can't do too many times, because with San Diego, not only do they play out of the back, but they also press higher effectively. When they win it back, they can do so many different things. So, I think you have to take care of the ball. I think both teams want to play that way where if they turn it over, they'll go quick. I just think right now, San Diego are probably more effective at going quick and converting and turning it into goals. So, I think this match is going to be about ball retention. You have to keep the ball. You have to take care of the ball in all moments. You have to be aware of where they're dangerous. That's the area where the game could be won or lost.
