Edgar Castillo scores bangers
What can I say, Edgar Castillo is an immense talent that quietly goes about his business. He’s a lead by example kind of guy. He lets his game do the talking and it usually says volumes.
In the game against Vancouver on June 1, Edgar’s long-range outside-of-the boot blast gave the Rapids an injection trailing 2-0. They couldn’t complete the comeback that night but it was a different story against Minnesota.
Trailing 1-0 in the 50th minute the Rapids needed a jolt, a shot of energy, something to spark the crowd. Edgar delivered. He took a touch and knew exactly what he wanted to do. His right-footed curling shot electrified the crowd and leveled the match at a pivotal point.
It was a moment that's been in short supply in recent weeks but ultimately propelled the Rapids to come from behind twice and grab a win. Edgar is fun to watch.
They wouldn't be denied tonight
Was it a perfect performance? No. Was it a gritty performance from a team that believes it’s far better than recent results have shown? Absolutely.
Twice tonight the Rapids fell behind and twice they answered the bell to level the match.
Castillo’s goal above provided the first bolt of lightning that Anthony Hudson’s side needed. Joe Mason’s sub-on-and-score tactic followed later in the second half. After the Rapids went a man up, a winner felt imminent but they never got a clear look on goal. A bunch of half-chances, sure, but never a clear look. Things looked destined for a second consecutive 2-2 draw.
So many times this season the cards haven’t come up in favor of the Rapids in the final moments. Tonight, they came up aces. Shkëlzen Gashi’s inch-perfect corner found Tommy Smith who flew in to meet it. It was the equivalent of a 27-footer to beat the buzzer in hoops. It was a Hail Mary. It was exactly what the fans needed. It was exactly what this group of players deserved.
Performances that went under the radar
Sam Nicholson created tons of chances and was fearless attacking defenders with the ball all night. He was up for the challenge against his former team. On another night he probably grabs a goal or an assist.
Gashi subbed on and ended up with two assists. He’s goal-dangerous at all times and that opened up pockets of space, especially when the Rapids were up a man.
