Defender Auston Trusty and head coach Robin Fraser earned MLS Team of the Week nods on Monday after a memorable 2-0 shutout versus LAFC over the weekend.
Trusty was also named Man of the Match by Rapids' supporters for his performance on Saturday, as he played a full 90 minutes on the pitch. The Arsenal-bound defender has recorded starts in all 10 games played this season, playing every single minute of those games, an accomplishment he shares with goalkeeper William Yabrough and defender Keegan Rosenberry.
"It's really the entire team who has everything to do with the defense," Trusty said postgame. "So yeah, it feels good to see everybody locked in and doing their thing and knowing their roles, we play a certain way with who we want to mark, who has time on the ball, and it's just good to see all the chemistry and just the the fight for everybody to get in their spots."
Fraser led his team through the most adversity he's seen a club face this past week, capping it off with a resounding win over the Black and Gold. After the Rapids' Wednesday night Open Cup matchup with Minnesota United FC was postponed to Thursday afternoon due to inclement weather, Fraser's side found themselves playing, traveling home, training, and playing yet another game all in the span of 48 hours.
"I've talked about the character of this group forever. And we know we were in a tough situation and we didn't shy away from it, we didn't make excuses," he said postgame. "Considering that we were playing 48 hours ago, I can't be more proud of the group."
Team of the Week (3-5-2, left to right): Pedro Gallese (ORL) – Andrew Brody (RSL), Auston Trusty (COL), Alistair Johnston (MTL) – Luquinhas (RBNY), Cristian Roldan (SEA), Sebastian Blanco (POR), Thiago Almada (ATL), Taxi Fountas (DC) – Jesus Ferreira (DAL), Adam Buksa (NE)
Coach: Robin Fraser (COL)
Bench: Sebastian Breza (MTL), Kyle Smith (ORL), Adalberto Carrasquilla (HOU), Maxi Moralez (NYC), Luciano Acosta (CIN), Nathan Fogaça (POR), Jeremy Ebobisse (SJ)
