NFL
By Keith Richards
It’s hard to believe that Matchday 11 is already upon us! Know what else is hard to believe? It’s hard to believe that the Rapids are undefeated in their last six MLS matches, but only have nine points to show for it this season. It’s a little bit easier to believe that when you realize that Colorado has only won one of those six matches. When the Rapids head to Hollywood on Matchday 11, they’re in a must-win situation.
It would be a stretch to say it’s doom and gloom time for the Rapids. I would argue against that adamantly. Amid this six-game unbeaten streak, Colorado has gained a result in four straight road matches. That’s not something that should be written off. That being said, Colorado has to find a way to start winning some of these matches.
Naturally, there is frustration with the lack of wins, but these are matches the Rapids easily would have lost in the past. It’s little things that are keeping them from getting three points instead of one. The latest example is the poorly taken penalty shot by Diego Rubio in the 80th minute against the White Caps. The defense held strong and Yarbrough made fantastic saves to keep the Rapids in a position to win. That penalty shot failed them.
Matchday 11 is the perfect opportunity for Colorado to go on a streak. After facing LA, three of the next four Rapids matches are at home. The lone road matchup is against Atlanta United FC, which will be tough. Then, in June, they have another stretch of matches where three out of four are at home. So, a win on Matchday 11 could set up Colorado for six out of eight matches that could allow them to shoot up the Western Conference standings.
Yet again, the Rapids face a very beatable squad in the LA Galaxy on Matchday 11. The Galaxy just have one victory in their last five matches. During that stretch, LA has conceded 10 goals. Outside of the 4-1 stomping the Galaxy gave Colorado in their last head-to-head match, the Rapids have fared well against LA. In the four matches previous to that, they were 3-1-0 with multiple road wins. They also scored multiple goals in all but one match. So, the Rapids should be confident heading into Matchday 11.
Another reason Colorado should be confident heading into Matchday 11 is its improved Player Availability Report. Bassett continues to be out, and Acosta and Beitashour are questionable, but Galvan, Nicholson, and Bombito will all be available. It gives the Rapids options and depth they haven’t had in a few weeks, especially with a player that has attacking capabilities like Braian Galvan.
So, what will be the result on Matchday 11? I’ve picked the Rapids to win often this season. I don’t do it as a homer. I believe they are capable of winning more matches than they have. I’m going to pick them to win again. This is a very beatable Galaxy squad. It’s not just a match the Rapids should win, but it’s a match they need to win. So, 3-1 Rapids with goals from Rubio (2) and Yapi.
Follow me on Twitter as I will be giving live updates on the match. If you’ll be in LA for the match, make sure you got new gear to represent the squad! Don’t forget our other MLS coverage with Team NBS as well!
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