Quick Read
The Rapids played a solid first 90 minutes of the 2021 season in their opening match against FC Dallas, resulting in a scoreless draw. Despite the final score, there was no shortage of offense for the two teams. The Rapids finished the match with 11 shots, six on frame, and eight corner kicks. Forward Michael Barrios, competing against his old squad, had an impressive debut with multiple chances, leading both teams in expected goals scored.
Highlights
Reaction
Head Coach Robin Fraser
His reaction to the match
“I thought it was certainly a hard fought match. We certainly feel good about getting a point on the road, Dallas is an extremely hard place to play and their an extremely good team. They had a really good preseason and had some great results, and so we know the type of team they are, and certainly happy about being able to come in here and get a draw.”
On Michael Barrios' Rapids debut
“I thought Mikey [Barrios] was really good. He’s as honest as they come in that, given the way they played, he had to do a lot of defending and defending in deep. His transition to attack was so fast that he was still able to get in some really dangerous attacking spots tonight. I just think his awareness, his professionalism, his decision making, it’s all very, very good. I think he’s going to be really good for us.”
On Kellyn Acosta playing at left back
“I thought Kellyn did an excellent job tonight. It’s a tough thing, when you go through the entire preseason playing your natural position, and you have a few days to prepare for playing completely out of position. But his commitment to doing it well was fantastic, and it showed on both ends of the field. He did really well, and his willingness to get forward, create situations with Andre [Shinyashiki], combine with him to get forward, looked really good.”
Thoughts on the back line and the center back pairing on Danny Wilson and Auston Trusty
“I thought they did a really good job. I thought Auston [Trusty] came in and was solid. Danny [Wilson], having to play on the right side, I thought was extremely solid… I thought the back group was excellent. They certainly made it difficult for Dallas to get forward, and, in dangerous moments, they responded well, blocked shots, and closed things down. I thought they played well as a group tonight.”
Defender Keegan Rosenberry
On Auston Trusty’s performance
"I thought Auston was great. We had some injuries the last preseason game. That’s the nature of this team; we have a lot of depth in a lot of different positions. Guys are going to step up and that’s what you need from a team that wants to compete for the playoffs or a championship. Auston was great tonight. The qualities you saw from him tonight are what he possesses: he’s athletic, he’s strong, he’s good in the air and he connected his passes tonight. Did well. Obviously any time you get a shutout on the road you really don’t need to say anything else about a defender on the night. It was very good from him.”
On winning balls defensively
“One of the biggest messages postgame was just our mentality on the night and how aggressive we were, how detail-oriented we were with the defending, closing the ball down, not letting them have time, not letting them turn in the midfield. It was awesome. I think obviously it’s difficult the first game to set the standard that high because that’s going to be the level that we expect night in and night out now. It was very important for us on the road against a good team to keep a shutout and to defend well first and do that work first. Like I said, super proud of the group and that’s what we’ll expect going forward.”
On the return of fans to DICK’S Sporting Goods Park on April 24
“Very excited. Even tonight for the first time to be in a stadium with, even if it was limited fans, it feels like a packed house to us, something we’re not used to as of late. You don’t know how much you really appreciate something until it’s taken away and that’s certainly the case with the fans this past year. We’re excited. I think it’s going to feel pretty packed for us even if it is 44 percent numbers. It’s going to be exciting. Hopefully we can put on a good performance for everybody.”
Next Up
On Saturday, April 24, the Rapids will play expansion side Austin FC at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park for the club's home opener. Click here for more information on tickets.
