Breaking Burgundy: Rapids week 2 review

Here at Breaking Burgundy we will take a look at this week’s game (or games) and how our Colorado Rapids performed. We’ll also identify a key player for Breaking Burgundy Player of the Week honors, as well as some random observations from yours truly.

Let’s get to it!

The Good

Tim Howard

See Player of the Week

Edgar Castillo

Castillo had a tremendous game and was responsible for the cross that allowed Dominique Badji to nab a goal in the in the fifth minute. The former USMNT international looked comfortable getting forward and provided great width to the attack all game. According to whoscored.com, he was a 7.28 for the game and he really did look dangerous in attack and recovered very well showcasing his two way abilities.

Season Kickoff Party

What an absolute blast. Getting to meet the team in a fun and relaxed environment at an all ages party at a club was absolutely fantastic. The spontaneous C38-lead rendition of Mountain Roads was also brilliant and really allowed the fans to share in a special moment. It seemed that the fan base really carried that momentum into the opening match and created a special atmosphere for the first league game of 2018.

The Bad

Not Sticking to the Plan

Hudson repeated a similar familiar refrain after the match: that the team didn’t stick to the plan. One could argue that nabbing two goals in the first 10 minutes of play allowed the Rapids to sit back and defend. Unfortunately, that didn’t seem to be the plan. Much has been made of wanting to play on the front foot and systemic belief in attacking soccer and we saw a glimpse of that with an opening salvo. Instead of continuing to attack, the Rapids chose to become a shell and that cost them against an SKC side that seems to be transforming before our very eyes.

The stats don’t lie either, as SKC lead the way with 20 shots (9 on target), dominated with over 60% possession, and generally looked more aggressive for the majority of the match.

Injuries Continue

With Kortne Ford, Shkelzen Gashi, and Stefan Aigner out of the lineup, the Rapids are developing some depth and chemistry that should help them as the season progresses. Getting players like Deklan Wynne and Enzo Martinez valuable minutes with the first team should pay dividends as the season progresses.

The Ugly

A home opening draw

Any time you give up a two-goal lead to split points on your home opener, that’s deserving of an “ugly” in my book.

Player of the Week

Tim Howard was absolutely brilliant in front of goal this game. Using his veteran guile to calm the backline down, coming up with several key saves in the second half, and spraying quick balls out of the back on restarts—he really looked like the Howard of old. His match rating was 7.50, and he had seven saves—all and all a vintage performance by Howard. Let’s hope it continues.

This week in MLS

Federico Higuain joins the 50-50 Club

Pipa joined the 50-50 club in MLS tallying 50 goals and 50 assists over his storied career. Congratulations to the Columbus Crew SC midfielder.

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