Player Ratings: Colorado Rapids vs Vancouver Whitecaps, August 6, 2016

The Colorado Rapids came out and responded well after their loss in New York City. From the beginning of the match they were the better team and beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 2-0.

Marlon Hairston was the best player from the beginning of the match. He was energetic, creative and that showed in him getting a goal and an assist. His flick in the first half of the match was good and unexpected. It created a good opportunity.

Powers was played in a position that I think suits him more than an attacking mid. The Rapids were more fluid and were more attacking without sacrificing defense.

The passing on both goals was creative, fast. The movement by the players involved was excellent and they were rewarded.

Overall this was a good performance by the Rapids and a good response.

Here is how I saw the match.

Tim Howard - 7 (5.48): I don't know what is up but Tim had some low scores from the community this week. I don't know why because it was a solid performance from Howard. He was not forced into that acrobatic save but he made good plays and owned the box.

Marc Burch - 7 (7.53): Burch was quite active and was getting up into the play. He did the assist on Marlon Hairston goal in the first half. It was a nice low cross across goal.

Bobby Burling - 6 (7.37): It was nice to see Burling back into the thick of the fight. He had a great opportunity to score early in the match but put his header over the net. He probably should have scored. The defense seemed much stronger playing next to Axel Sjoberg.

Axel Sjoberg - 6 (7.08): Sjoberg was strong again in the backline for the Rapids. He almost turned the ball over in the first half but was lucky to get back and kick it away from Gils Barnes. His size helped neutralize Barnes who really did not do much during this match.

Eric Miller - 7 (6.98): Miller was helping out on the wing. Though he was mostly quiet in the first half, his ball to Hairston in the buildup to the second goal was excellent. Based on current form, I think he is the starting right back while Mekeil Williams figures things out.

Sam Cronin - 5 (7.05): Cronin passed well, especially in the Whitecaps end, but was a little reckless at times. He was lucky not to see yellow early in the first-half.

Dillon Powers - 7 (6.43): Finally in a position that suits him. He played well and distributed the ball well in the attacking and defensive end. Exactly what he is supposed to do. Let us see what happens when Azira is eligible to return next week against Los Angeles.

Dominique Badji - 7 (7.35): Except for the goal, it was a rather quiet evening for Badji. He made a good run that opened up a pass to Doyle, but Gashi did not find him. On the goal he did make a good run to the back post and Hairston found him. He got a leg on the ball into the back of the net.

Shkelzen Gashi - 7 (7.45): Gashi was quite active and seemed really comfortable playing in the attacking central midfielder role. He was distributing well, active and creative. He made a great pass to start the rush on the first goal. He did take a bunch of shots, just needs to do a better job on getting the ball on net.

Marlon Hairston - 9 (9.02): His best game all season. He was smart, creative, played both ways and made some great runs. He got the goal and assist but was good defensively. He pressured Tim Parker well and made it difficult for him to clear the ball. My man of the match.

Kevin Doyle - 5 (6.48): Doyle seems off. He did a good job of getting the ball to Miller to start the rush on the second goal. He was also fouled on that play. Otherwise his touch seems off. I am not sure if it is confidence or what. But Doyle should be doing more.

Substitutes

Sebastien Le Toux - 6 (5.87): Le Toux made his debut for the Rapids and what you can say was that it was a good time for him to get some time with his new team. He did not get too many touches.

Marco Pappa - N/A (5.47): A sub in the 84 minute.

Jared Watts - N/A (5.17): A sub in the 90' +1'. But that one touch. Just wow.

That is how I saw the match. Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Here are the player ratings summarized so far for the season.