2014 Review: Match 17--Rapids vs Crew

The July 4 game for the Colorado Rapids is the biggest game of the year.  It is always a sell-out (a rarity in Colorado) and the atmosphere is electric.  But July 4, 2014 was a night to forget for the Rapids.  I do not care that it ended in a 1-1 tie with Columbus Crew...this was a loss opportunity for the Burgundy Boys.  The Rapids were out played, out classed and out coached and if it was not for an own goal, this would have (and probably should have been) a loss.

For me though, this is the ONLY statistic that really matters: after July 4 the Rapids went 1-13-3 and picked up 6 points.

Again, they went 1-13-3.  I struggle with the reasons as to why this was, but as the 2014 Rapids Review heads into the back half of the season, the heroes are going to be few and far between and the nominees for goat of the match will be numerous.

Here are the relevant stats for this match:

SOG:  Shots on Goal.  BS:  Blocked Shots.  TP:  Total Passes.  PA:  Passing Accuracy.  POSS:  Possession

Record after 17 Matches:  (7-5-5)  26 Points

Hero of the Match: Clint Irwin.  Irwin was not getting any help from a putrid offense and a defense that gave Columbus 19 shots, which required 7 saves from the Rapids #1.  It was a tremendous performance from Irwin and despite he taking the blame later in the season for poor goals against number, it was clear on this night that Irwin stole a point for the home team.  (Man that sucks to say)

Goat of the Match: Pablo Mastroeni. This is the BIGGEST game of the year and his team, aside from Irwin, was not prepared to play.  This falls on the coaching staff.  Mastroeni should know better and get his team ready to go, but for some reason they came out flat and started a slide that was (and still is) unprecedented in Rapids history.