Player Ratings--Colorado Rapids vs Los Angeles Galaxy

Under beautiful skies and warm weather at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, Colorado Rapids defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 1-0 on the strength of a sublime finish by Vicente Sanchez and solid defending by the back four.  After suffering through two rough weeks, a solid result was needed and the faithful at DSGP did not leave disappointed.  The offense is still struggling, but there were some positive signs from Deshorn Brown up front which brings hope to a stretch that features three matches in nine days.

Here is how I saw the match:

Clint Irwin 7

Another clean sheet for Irwin who was called upon to make three saves.

Marc Burch 7

Burch started on the left side tonight with Chris Klute shifted out on the right.  Burch lacks the speed of Klute, but was able to make runs up the left and had the assist on the Sanchez goal.

Drew Moor 8

Moor looked terrific against the Galaxy offense and made several crucial stops to keep the clean sheet.  Got absolutely hosed on the penalty as the team from Los Angeles showed off their acting skills.

Marvell Wynne 7

Wynne was back in the Starting XI and in central defense as Shane O'Neill began the night on the bench.  Looked good partnered with Moor and his play was important as the Galaxy were pushing for a late equalizer.

Chris Klute 7

Klute was positioned on the right side and looked dangerous going forward.  His speed was called upon to shut down the Galaxy wingers.

Dillon Serna 6

Coming off the first goal of his career, expectations may have been a little high for Serna on the night.  Was overall good, but did not seem as dangerous moving forward.

Nick LaBrocca 6

A good blue collar performance from LaBrocca who has obviously thrived playing under Pablo Mastroeni.  Was physical off and on the ball and provided timely passing, but needed to do better possessing the ball .

Marlon Hairston 6

The rookie made his first start of his career and showed some of the reasons why the Rapids thought so highly of him.  Had his night cut short by a possible head injury (it was reported that he passed the concussion protocols) but looked good for his time on the pitch.

Jose Mari 6

With the Galaxy garnering so much of the possession, Mari appeared to sit deeper then he has in past matches.  Provided passing as needed, but needed to do more to ensure the Rapids kept the ball.

Vicente Sanchez 8

His beautiful goal was all that was needed to secure the three points for the Rapids.  He used his speed and creativity in a forward role and the Galaxy had no answer for him.  He did pick up a knock early in the game and as subbed off at halftime.

Deshorn Brown 7.5

Brown was MUCH better tonight.  Had three shots on goal and his speed gave the Galaxy fits on the night.  Could have had a Goal of the Year goal late in the first half, but the woodwork thwarted him.

Substitutions

Edson Buddle 6

Started the night on the bench but came on at half for an injured Sanchez.  His lack of speed was a bit of a let off up front for the Rapids, but his physicality was needed and help to see out the match.

Charles Eloundou 6

Was nice to see Eloundou get some time in front of the home games, and like Buddle, came on for an injured Rapid.  He put in 35 minutes and based on his speed and ball handling skills he is as good as advertised, but would like to see him out there more often.