#VANvCOL Takeaways: Burgundy hope springs eternal

Ugly wins count just as much as good-looking ones. The Colorado Rapids take their first match on the road with a 1-0 slugfest win against Vancouver Whitecaps in BC Place. This slight embarrassment of riches leaves Rapids supporters in an interesting spot in regards to the 2018 campaign. Let look at where the Rapids find themselves after their latest win.

1. The Colorado Rapids have earned seven points in the last three matches (D-W-W). After a nine-game winless streak, our boys in burgundy are now on a three-game unbeaten streak—something that two weeks ago seemed unthinkable. Yet here we are.
2. The Rapids are now in 10th in the Western Conference, ahead of Seattle Sounders and the San Jose Earthquakes (12 points each). They sit one point behind Minnesota at 15 points.
3. As far as the playoffs (playoffs?—a la, Jim Mora), amazingly enough, the Rapids are eight points below that playoff line. Given the fact that our boys have earned seven points in three games, and given that 2018 is providing a weak Western Conference, hope springs eternal!
4. Even though the Rapids earned a road victory north of the border, they did so playing a type of tactic that hearkened back to the days of Pablo (score a goal, then pull back on the defensive, let the opposition have possession, and stop everything in sight). Vancouver had 72% possession and outshot Colorado 25-9 (as well as having 10 on frame, compared to the Rapids 3), Those stats may fascinate us, but for most Rapids supporters, the only statistic that matters is this: Vancouver 0, Rapids 1.
5. Yannick Boli and Joe Mason together up top had that moment of pressure that led to the own goal by Vancouver that proved to be the difference, but neither had the opportunity to really get into the flow of the game. Once in the second half, Mason showed uncharacteristic indecision that ultimately ended in a lost opportunity on goal. Hopefully, he will receive more minutes on the pitch to develop the needed chemistry with his teammates.
6. The game against Seattle starts at 7:00 pm on July 4th. While Rapids supporters have focused on the struggles of their squad, the Sounders have not fared much better. A quick peek at the statistics show a marked similarity between the two teams.
7. Jack Price will miss Wednesday’s match due to yellow card accumulation. Most likely, Michael Azira will step in for Price.

What other takeaways did you have from the match? Sound off in the comments section or on Twitter.