The final score wasn’t indicative of the performance
There’s no way around it, 3-0 hurts. And at the end of the day/year/season it’s that tally that will go down in the record books. But heads will not be down in the Rapids’ camp following a loss in the first leg of the 2018 Rocky Mountain Cup.
The boys in
burgundy
gold
white put in a spirited shift and ultimately were unlucky on the night. Based on the first twenty minutes, I think there’s a chance the final score could’ve looked much different had this match gone 90 minutes with a full 11 on each side.
The visitors looked poised to draw first blood against a young and inexperienced RSL back line and Anthony Hudson had his side looking organized and sharp from the opening kick. Of course, it’s nearly impossible to play 70 minutes down a man without conceding a goal. But even after Tim Howard was sent off for a red card in the 20th minute, the Rapids still looked confident they could hold on for a result in enemy territory. And hold on they did for quite a while. Zac MacMath stepped in and made some big saves, especially in the second half. And Enzo Martinez cleared a ball off the line. As a unit, the Rapids controlled RSL’s dangerous attack while looking to counter at every chance. Up until Joao Plata’s penalty, it felt as if the Rapids might just sneak out of Utah with a valuable road point and push their unbeaten streak to five matches.
Performances from Axel Sjöberg, Nana Boateng (as a right wingback) and Johan Blomberg all stood out in the loss, but there were positives to pull from all over the pitch on Saturday night.
When it comes to video review, next time the shoe may be on the other foot
Head referee Joseph Dickerson appeared to make the correct call on both occasions when he went to his Video Assistant Referee. It's difficult to tell, but the ball looked to glance off of Tim Howard’s forearm as he charged outside of his box to try and deny Jefferson Savarino in the 20th minute. And Tommy Smith clearly pawed at the ball during a scramble in the 81st minute. On a different night, the use of video to review a controversial play may benefit the Rapids in a key situation. It stings tonight, but ensuring the correct call is made is exactly why MLS instituted the Video Assistant Referee last season.
The Rapids must turn the page, quickly
A home game against suddenly white-hot Orlando City SC this coming Sunday, followed by a very difficult slate in the month of May means the Rapids need to get their difference makers healthy and fit while staying within striking distance of the red line as June approaches.
OCSC comes to town on fine form, having scored three goals a game over their last four. The players selected to start in defense for the Rapids will certainly have their hands full. But on the flip side, the Rapids have been outstanding in three home matches in 2018, going unbeaten while tallying seven goals and conceding only two. What this means is that Sunday should be a fun game for fans and a great chance for the Rapids to win a third straight game against a visitor from the Eastern Conference.
As for the Rocky Mountain Cup, the sides will meet again on July 21 in Utah and then for a final time in late August back at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park.
