NFL
By Keith Richards
Though three points would have been better, the Colorado Rapids pulled out a miracle and salvaged a point on the road against Charlotte FC. While I did predict a win, Colorado did manage to get at least a point in two consecutive road games, which is huge for this squad. On matchday nine, they face a tough task in St. Louis CITY SC. What will it take for the Rapids to knock off the leaders of the Western Conference on matchday nine? Let’s discuss!
In its inaugural season, St. Louis has shocked the MLS world. Heading into matchday nine, here are some of the highlights of the phenomenal freshman season for CITY SC:
• 2.25 PPG
• 20 goals for
• +11 goal difference
• 6-2-0 overall record
• MLS 2nd best 40.9% shooting accuracy
• MLS 3rd best 15 assists
In short, St. Louis CITY SC scores a lot of goals but doesn’t give up a lot of goals. The 1.1 goals per game allowed by CITY SC is not a good sign for a Rapids team that only scores .63 goals per game. So, as it has been all season, Colorado must find ways to score goals on matchday nine. They can do so by following the formula they used to tie Charlotte FC.
On matchday eight, Colorado had its second-best percentage of shots on goal with 46.2% (13 total shots, 6 on goal). The Rapids also posted their second-highest xG of the season with 1.94. Especially since they will be home, Colorado needs to bring the same offensive tenacity they did against Charlotte and Austin. Ironically, the two best matches offensively for the Rapids have been on the road. They need to do it at home on matchday nine.
The Rapids’ home schedule has not been kind to start the 2023 season. Two of the first three matches were against Minnesota and LAFC. The MUNFC match resulted in a loss. The LAFC match resulted in a draw. On matchday nine, Colorado needs to make Dick’s Sporting Goods Park the fortress it used to be. It all starts with the attack.
The Rapids need to attack early and often. CITY SC plays at about 500 feet above sea level. The Rapids play at 5,164 feet above sea level. With it being St. Louis’ first visit at that elevation on matchday nine, the Rapids have to take full advantage of that. First, they need to run. Then, Colorado needs to run some more. Last, the Rapids should run even harder. To semiquote Al Davis, just run, baby! Run!
The Player Availability Report has some good news and some bad news concerning the Rapids being able to execute that strategy. Cole Bassett has already been ruled out as he reaggravated his hamstring injury. That’s a huge loss in the attacking midfield. However, Andreas Maxso is not listed. That means the defensive anchor for the Rapids so far this season is a go in matchday nine. Given how deadly the St. Louis attack is, this is a big win for Colorado.
So, what happens at Dick’s on matchday nine? I’m going to make a bold prediction. The Rapids will win 3-2. St. Louis CITY SC is the better team. There is no question about that. That being said, the altitude takes no prisoners. On a neutral field, I would take St. Louis, but I think CITY SC will struggle on its first visit to Commerce City. They will score early and then late. The Rapids will put the game away in between those goals with goals by Rubio, Lewis, and Max.
Team NBS Media will be in the building for this match and I’ll be providing live updates to the match. Follow us on Twitter to stay in the know. If you’ll be there as well, don’t forget your new Rapids gear to rep the squad!
