NFL
By Keith Richards
This is all beginning to sound a bit redundant, but here we are at matchday four and the Colorado Rapids still have not scored a goal. One is the loneliest number. Luckily for the Rapids, two other teams have yet to score a goal coming into matchday four. So, while the Rapids are not the loneliest club in MLS, they’re still not in great company heading into matchday four. Before their match against the Loons, I’m going to deep a little deeper into the scoring woes. Then, we’ll discuss their odds of scoring…I mean winning the match on Saturday.
I’m a strong believer in the eyeball test, but seeing sometimes needs further proof to believe. It’s not difficult to believe how bad the Rapids attack has been heading into matchday four. Still, the statistics further prove just exactly what we’re seeing on the pitch. Here are some of the lowlights of Colorado’s attack (or lack thereof) this season:
• Minus 5 goal differential (second to last in MLS)
• 20.7% Accurate shoot percentage (second to last in MLS)
• Six shots on target (second to last in MLS)
• 29 total shots (22nd in MLS)
Brendan Ploen, who covers the Rapids for the Denver Post, asked Coach Robin Fraser about the Rapids’ attack in their loss to San Jose last week. Fraser said, “I said to the group that I felt like we need to be more threatening. We need to be more positive, more bold around the box. We know that we’ve got some good attacking players, but, in those moments we need to take half-chances and turn them into real chances.” There is a lot of truth in what Robin says, but some oddities as well.
The truth in what Coach Fraser said is that Colorado has only created 28 chances heading into matchday four. 10 players across MLS have created more than 15 chances on their own. So, the number one issue for the Rapids heading into matchday four is that they just are not creating enough chances. Lack of chances equals lack of shots on target equals zero goals.
The oddity in what Coach Fraser said is that the Rapids have not been horrible in terms of creating big chances. According to FotMob, Colorado is fifth in MLS in creating big chances heading into matchday four with six big chances created. Of course, they have zero goals from those six big chances created. So, the second issue for Colorado is that even when the big chances are there, they are not finishing them.
The keyword in that last sentence is finishing. Without Diego Rubio (there’s some good news on that front), there does not appear to be anyone who can finish right now heading into matchday four. Only two players on the squad have a decent percentage of shots on goal: Cole Bassett (75%) and Michael Barrios (67%). The only other player that has a shot on goal is Darren Yapi. He has five total shots, but only one on goal, which is good for 20%.
Now, that I’ve beaten a dead horse, it’s simple what the Rapids need to do on matchday four to get their first win: Create more chances and finish those chances. Particularly, if Colorado can create another big chance they have to finish it. As I said in my article for matchday three, you can win if you can’t score goals. You can draw. You can most definitely lose, but you can’t win. Create more chances. Finish those chances.
So, who will play on matchday four? That’s a good question as the Player Availability Report expanded this week. Bombito and Toure remain out with knee injuries. New to the report is Gersbach (hamstring), Rubio (Knee), Beitashour (hamstring), and Galvan (groin). Returning to the report are Price (back) and Lewis (Knee).
With Gersbach, Beitashour, and Galvan questionable Colorado could have an issue on matchday four. If neither can go, Colorado is screwed at fullback. If even just one is out, the Rapids are thin at fullback. Both scenarios are not desirable.
Diego Rubio showing on the report as questionable is VERY good news! It is important to state that the team needs to learn to create and finish without Diego. Still, getting Rubio back would be a gigantic boost to this team. The odds of Diego playing on matchday four are slim, but the prospect of him returning soon is both a relief to the team and the fans. Of course, that wouldn’t be until after he’s fulfilled obligations to the Chilean Senior Team. Congrats, Diego!
I’ve been optimistic about the Rapids so far this season. Heading into matchday four, it’s time to be more realistic. Minnesota’s last visit to Commerce City resulted in a 4-3 Colorado win. However, a few key players were missing due to accumulation suspensions. That will not be the case Saturday.
Still, the Loons have only scored two goals this season. However, they’ve also only given up one goal thus far. So, I’m matchday four, I’m picking a 1-1 draw. Colorado has only given up one goal since the Sounders debacle. They will need to lean on that.
This is a home game, so Team NBS Media will be on site for this contest. Follow me on Twitter for live match updates! If you’re going to be at the match yourself, get yourself some new gear to represent the squad. Most importantly, don’t forget our other futbol coverage. It’s a family affair at Team NBS, this week. Good luck, Randall! Respectfully, though, I hope you lose.
