NFL
By Keith Richards
It’s finally here! Matchday One is upon us for the 2023 season for the Colorado Rapids kicks off. In their first match, the Rapids will be away against the Seattle Sounders. Matchday one is an extremely important match for this Colorado team. With so many additions and key departures, this is a match that will set the tone for the Rapids for 2023. Let’s take a look at this match, what we can expect from the squad, and some key factors that could lead to a Colorado victory.
On matchday one, it’s not certain what the Rapids’ formation will be or what the Starting XI will be. In their final preseason match against the Philadelphia Union, Colorado’s Starting XI was Rosenberry, Maxso, Abubakar, Barrios, Gersbach, Ronan, Bassett, Nicholson, Yapi, Priso, and Yarbrough. In the 45th minute, Wilson and Acosta were brought on. In the scrimmage the week before, the Starting XI had key differences.
Against Orlando City SC, the Starting XI was Wilson, Abubakar, Rubio, Barrios, Nicholson, Price, Bassett, Beitashour, Ronan, Rosenberry, and Yarbrough. So, what can we expect on matchday one? It’s tough to say, but I believe the following starters can be expected on matchday one:
Yarbrough (Keeper)
Rubio (Forward/Midfielder)
Price (Midfielder)
Rosenberry (Defender)
Wilson (Defender)
Maxso (Defender)
Gersbach (Defender)
One thing seems certain. It looks like Fraser will go with a back four. Gersbach will be in at left back, Rosenberry likely plays right back, and Wilson (RCB) and Maxso (LCB) will be the center backs. There will likely be a keeper battle as the season progresses, but that time is not now. Yarbrough is the keeper. Price is a pillar of the defensive midfield and will continue his role in central defensive midfield.
Without a true 9, Rubio’s role remains uncertain. He plays well in the attacking midfielder position, almost like a CAM. However, Diego always scored 16 goals last season, which was a career-high. So, Rubio could be the star Rapids forward on matchday one, which is the luxury of a player like Rubio. Whether he’s asked to be an attacking midfielder or a forward, Diego will benefit the team either way.
What remains to be seen for Colorado is who will fill out the last four spots in the Starting XI on matchday one. I think both Ronan and Bassett get the nod as center mids. Nicholson likely returns to the winger position he played on the right. It’s a tough choice, but Cabral will start opposite Nicholson on the left wing.
Darren Yapi is a future starter, but I think Cabral gets the nod on matchday one. Don’t be surprised, though, if Yapi is subbed in for Cabral if Cabral gets off to a bad start. So, I think the Starting XI on matchday one will be Yarbrough, Gersbach, Maxso, Wilson, Rosenberry, Price, Ronan, Bassett, Cabral, Nicholson, and Rubio. The formation could change as the match progresses, but I expect them to start in a 4-3-3.
Now, how can Colorado win matchday one? First, they have to get off to a fast start and dictate the play of the match. The Sounders and Rapids split their matches last year with both teams winning at home. One of the largest issues of the Rapids last season was that they would concede early goals and be forced to play on the back foot for much of the match. This cannot happen on matchday one.
Another key to victory on matchday one is to play a complete match. When the Rapids were able to get off to fast starts last season, they were not able to sustain their momentum. On more than one occasion, they conceded goals late that led to draws. It’s simple math. Three points are better than one. If Colorado can score early, they have to keep applying the pressure and not let teams back into the match.
On matchday one, I think the Rapids play with a chip on their shoulders. Seattle is expected to be the better squad, but I think Colorado will be the better squad Sunday. I’m calling it 2-1 Rapids.
Be sure to check out the other soccer coverage with TeamNBS! Follow me on Twitter as I will be live tweeting away games and covering home games live at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
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