NFL
By Keith Richards
To say that the Colorado Rapids need a win in the Round of 16 of the US Open Cup would be an understatement. After a streak of nine matches without a loss, the Rapids enter the Round of 16 with three straight losses. Two of those losses came at home, which included their US Open Cup opponent in the Round of 16: Real Salt Lake. So, what’s going on with the Rapids? What can they do to get back on track?
Coming into their Round of 16 match against Real Salt Lake, the Rapids are suffering from a strange phenomenon: They stink at home. There is no other way to put it. Traditionally, Colorado has been a team that made Dick’s Sporting Goods Park a fortress and they struggled on the road. Now, the Rapids struggle at home but are more successful on the road.
Until their loss to Atlanta United, Colorado had gained at least a point in their last six road matches across all competitions. Conversely, three of six of the Rapids’ losses have come at home this season. It makes little sense. To bring the point home of how bad Colorado is at home right now, consider this: In 540 total minutes of matches played at home, the Rapids have led for 14 minutes. 14. One more than 13 and one less than 15. Fourteen!
After the loss to the Philadelphia Union, I asked Coach Fraser what his thoughts were concerning the team’s recent struggles at home and their success on the road. Robin stated, “It’s a mind [expletive] isn’t it? Absolutely. Yeah. I was thinking the same thing during the game. And we’ve historically done so well here that, you definitely, it’s a head-scratcher.”
Fraser would continue by saying, “The level of engagement on the road has obviously been fantastic. You know that it’s always a difficult proposition to go on the road and play in this league. And when you come home, it’s supposed to be the comforts of your friendly environment. And for whatever reason we’ve not played as well here.” Listen, there are a lot of reasons that many would see as excuses as to the cause of the lack of home success, but they can’t be ignored. The chief reason, in my humble opinion, is health and player availability.
Only Lalas Abubakar and Connor Ronan are players that you can call bonafide regulars that have appeared in all 14 matches for the Rapids. Diego Rubio has only appeared in eight matches, Brian Galvan six, Cole Bassett six, Bryan Acosta eight, Jack Price two, and Max Alves 10. Now, Max Alves is out for a very different reason, but it still makes the point valid. Heading into the Round of 16, the Rapids have been thin and have lacked consistency.
When Colorado was on their streak, even accounting for the injury to Bassett, they were able to play the same platoon of players in midfield and the attack. The last three matches, though, have seen injuries to Rubio again, Bassett continues to be out, and Max is unavailable due to an ongoing MLS investigation and legal issues. Of course, it’s not the main reason the Rapids have struggled at home, but it is a major contributing factor. So, does Colorado have a chance in this Round of 16 match against Salt Lake?
They have a chance, yes, but health will be paramount. Max is still removed from team activities and Darren Yapi is off representing the United States in the U20 World Cup. It’s unlikely Rubio and Bassett will be available. So, any other injuries could be devastating. The Rapids need to get a win in this Round of 16 US Open Cup match. More importantly, Colorado needs to come out of this Round of 16 match healthy.
The Rapids are behind the eight ball in the Round of 16. They just lost to Real Salt Lake Saturday in the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup. Furthermore, Real Salt Lake has won 13 of the last 18 Rocky Mountain Cups since 2005. I have every reason to believe the Rapids will lose in the Round of 16…but I’m picking them to win. They’re winning 3-2 because they have to. If Colorado loses in the Round of 16, though it’s not a league match, the MLS season will be in serious jeopardy. I’ll take goals from Lewis (x2) and Barrios.
Team NBS will be in the building for the Round of 16. So, follow me on Twitter for live updates of the match. Check out the rest of our MLS coverage and get some new gear for your squad as well!
