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A pretty satisfying four point week greeted Colorado Rapids as they recorded a 2-1 home victory over New England Revolution on Wednesday and battled to a 1-1 road tie with Seattle Sounders on Saturday. There was a lot of good to take away from the string of results and quietly the Rapids have built a five game undefeated streak and now sit at 8-7-7 and are one point out of a playoff spot in the Western Conference.
Cue up The Good, The Bad, The Ugly, Week 21 edition:
The Good: The Seattle result: For the first time in Rapids history, they went to Seattle and grabbed a result. It was not the prettiest match that the Rapids have ever played, but they went into a very hostile environment and shared the points. Drew Moor was very solid in the back making a goal line save and had a goal. Clint Irwin, after a rough couple of games, played very well and made a couple of crucial saves. The Rapids have a rough couple of weeks with games with Los Angeles Galaxy and Real Salt Lake, and the Sounders match will continue to grow the confidence of the Rapids.
The Bad: The first 45 against the Revolution: For as good as the week ended, it started very poorly. The Rapids came out flat and uninterested in playing and gave up a soft goal that could have been costly. The Rapids need to continue to play a complete 90 minute game to make their move up the table. Poor starts like last Wednesday will cost the Rapids against better teams.
The Ugly: Edson Buddle: Either Buddle is hurt, not fit or just plain disinterested, but something is not right. He has looked very poor over the last month and needs to make way for someone else: a striker who can score goals.
The Rapids play the defending MLS Cup Champion Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday in Commerce City. This is the type of game that will truly let the league know where the Rapids are. And the Galaxy sit above the Rapids in the table. A victory would move the Rapids into playoff position and possibly as high as third position. Can the Lads in Burgundy seize this opportunity?