NFL
By: Keith Richards
Last Saturday, the Colorado Rapids snapped their five-game winless streak against the Portland Timbers. The final score was 2-0, but it felt like a more significant margin. Diego Rubio scored his fifth goal of the season on a beauty of a free-kick. Mark-Anthony Kaye provided the dagger in extra time in the second half off a Barrios assist. Though a small sample, it appears the Zardes Effect will work for the Rapids.
It was the first time since the Dallas match that Colorado held the possession edge, and they looked good doing it. Playing a 4-2-3-1, Zardes was the lone striker upfront, with Lewis, Rubio, and Max playing behind, left to right, in that order. Lewis and Rubio both had more shots than Gyasi, but Zardes equaled Lewis’ chances created with three. Rubio finished with two before leaving the match on a second yellow card.
Zardes only had one goal early in the season with Columbus, but the Timbers still respected the threat Gyasi presents. In addition, Zardes drew attention from Portland’s back four in the middle, leaving plenty of space for Lewis and Rubio in the wide areas to operate. Gyasi was perfect on his 11 passes but was often missed on passes in his direction. Those passes will come with time. It was only the first start for Zardes. The Rapids, however, will look to continue improving this upcoming Saturday when they face the San Jose Earthquakes.
At 1-3-5, the Earthquakes are an opponent the Rapids should have no trouble with. With 12 points, Colorado sits 10 points behind LAFC, who leads the West. After visiting Minnesota, the Rapids host LAFC in what could become a significant turning point in their season. Stay tuned with Nuts and Bolts Sports, as we’ll be on top of it all!
