Philadelphia Union 0:0 Colorado Rapids--Three Thoughts

It is game one

One of 34.

So let's not get so excited about the 0:0 draw that the Colorado Rapids v Philadelphia Union played tonight, but when looking at it with the longview, this is a massive result for the Rapids.

My thoughts about this match:

That Starting XI:  I found it interesting that the Pablo Mastroeni led Rapids had preached a 4-2-3-1 all throughout pre-season and then decided to abandon it in the first match of the season.  I could not have been the only person that was surprised to see a 4-4-2 rolled out for this match.  NOTE:  there is some debate about this--whether it was a 4-4-2 vs  4-2-3-1.

Regardless of the actual formation, this was a slightly different lineup than what was expected.  Here was the starting XI:  Clint Irwin,  Michael Harrington, Axel Sjoberg, Bobby Burling, James Riley, Vicente Sanchez, Lucas Pittinari, Marcelo Sarvas, Dillon Serna, Dom Badji, Gabriel Torres.

The Defense: The defense was stout tonight especially when the Rapids went down a man in the second half.  Burling, Sjoberg, Harrington, Riley and Shane O'Neill decided that they were going to be solid and not let in a goal.  Last year, the Rapids concede a goal and lose the game.  Irwin was very solid tonight and made a number of saves that solidified the thinking that Irwin is truly 'CFI'

The Result: Last year, the Rapids lose this game.  No doubt.  The team this year the team showed an intensity and passion that was lacking in 2014.  It was not a perfect performance by any stretch, but the Rapids did enough to gather a point and take that into the first home match on March 21.