Colorado Rapids vs. DC United - Player Ratings

In a frustratingly lackluster performance, Colorado Rapids tied at home to a floundering DC United squad 0-0. The match featured 23 shots for the Rapids (seven on target) but again found the Lads in Burgundy unable to crack the net and dropped what should have been 3 points at home. Here is how I saw it:

Clint Irwin 6

Irwin did not have a whole lot to do on the day, facing six shots and needing to make two saves. Was bailed out by Drew Moor in the first half, but overall was solid.

Shane O’Neill 6

Was able to deal with the attack of DC United, but his emotions got the best of him with a yellow card in the 39th minute. Could have been ejected in the second half and was wisely subbed out.

Drew Moor 7

The Captain had a good game dealing with the DC United offensive push and had a goal saving header in the first half.

German Mera 6

The young defender is settling in better with more consistent playing time. Had a header in the first half that smacked the woodwork and you get the sense if that had gone in, the flood gates would have opened.

Chris Klute 7.5

Man, oh man, it has been fun seeing Klute get better and better each game. The left back position has been a tough one to fill for the Rapids over the years, but no more--they have their left back. Klute, along with O’Neill, have been a revelation in the back this year. You get the sense that the back four is set for quite a while.

Nathan Sturgis 6.5

A good game for the "Stur-mas" combo of Nathan Sturgis and his fellow CDM Hendry Thomas. Sturgis was able to deal with the DC United midfield and was able to assist in controlling the possession battle for the Rapids.

Hendry Thomas 6

A quick yellow card awaited Thomas in the second minute but was able to settle down and cause fits for the DC United midfield. He did have a horrible free kick in the second half and may not be the best person to take shots from that distance.

Atiba Harris 4.5

Not a good game for Harris. He seemed out of sorts the bulk of the game and did not have the flair and passion that we have become accustomed to seeing. Hopefully the 10 days off will help.

Dillon Powers 6.5

He plays like a veteran and was able to continue to press the ball forward. Had one SOG that forced a save.

DeShorn Brown 9

I am not sure there was much else Brown could have done. He caused all sorts of problems for DC United and if not for some remarkable saves by the keeper, he could have had a brace or more.

Edson Buddle 4.5

Buddle looked tired the bulk of the game and seemed to be lacking the intensity that he had in previous matches. May have been too much to ask him to go in both the New York match and against DC United three days later.

Substitutions

Brian Mullan 6

Came on for O’Neill early in the second half and did a decent job dealing with the DC United offense.

Nick LaBrocca 7

LaBrocca was better in this match and provide more of an offensive spark than the person he replaced (Harris). Had three shots, two of which were on target. That was better than Buddle and Harris combined.

Jaime Castrillon 6

A short shift at the end of the game, and I wished he had more time on the pitch. He replaced a tired Buddle and had one shot for his 8 minute shift.