NFL
By Keith Richards
Seven matches. Seven long, often miserable, matches. That’s how long it took for the Colorado Rapids to earn its first three points in a single match this season. Matchday seven was the Rapids’ first road win of 2023 and its first since August of 2022. Matchday eight has Colorado on the road again at Charlotte FC. It’s a match the Rapids should be able to win and I’ll discuss why.
Charlotte and Colorado have had similar seasons heading into matchday eight. Charlotte FC is 1-4-2. The Colorado Rapids are 1-3-3. Both squads are 1-2-1 on the road. Colorado has a goal differential of minus five. Charlotte has a goal differential of minus seven. There’s just not much that separates these teams heading into matchday eight. So, what is it that will set the Rapids apart?
Colorado Rapids goalkeeper William Yarbrough set the club record with his 11th clean sheet this season in Wednesday’s 3-0 win over Austin FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Though Colorado’s defense is likely to suffer a setback on matchday eight (more on that later), its defense has been stellar since the debacle with Seattle to start the season. In its last five matches, the Rapids have allowed only four goals. Less than one per match. One of those matches was against defending champions LAFC and early MVP candidate Denis Bouanga. Charlotte FC has not fared as well.
Heading into matchday eight, Charlotte has allowed 10 goals in its last five matches. Exactly two goals per match. While Colorado has yet to score more than one goal in a match this season, their opportunities have been there. The Rapids lead MLS in big chances missed with 13. Though that could easily be seen as a negative, and it is if I’m being honest, it still means that Colorado continues to have opportunities to score.
Colorado is among the league leaders in big chances created as well with 12. What’s hurt the Rapids most this season is their inability to finish chances and their lack of consistency in attack. Colorado’s three goals have been scored by three different players (Cabral, Bassett, and Rubio). Furthermore, those goals have had three different players assist them (Barrios, Yapi, and Ronan). After battling through injuries and international duty, the Rapids attack may finally have some consistency.
Outside of the players out for the season, or an extended period, the Player Availability Report looked much better this week. Bassett, Galvan, and Maxso are all listed as questionable. Per Matt Pollard, Bassett (who’s been out for two straight matches) was a full participant in training. All signs point to Cole being available Saturday. It could be the first time Bassett and Rubio see extended time together on the pitch this season, which would be huge for the Rapids attack.
The defensive setback mentioned earlier is the expected loss of Andreas Maxso. While Maxso is listed as questionable, he suffered a nasty concussion during the matchday seven win. I’m certain Andreas will do all he can to play, but it’s not reasonable to expect him to be ready for matchday eight. Maxso is a huge reason why the defense has flourished recently, but Colorado should be able to manage without him against Charlotte.
I’m going to be bold and pick the Rapids to win on matchday eight with a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. Rubio will score for the second straight match and I really like the combination of Barrios and Cabral. Cabral will get his second goal of the season. It will be a big win for Colorado heading into its showdown at home next week against St. Louis CITY SC.
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