Sunday, July 19, 2009
Rapids Crash; Cooke Nowhere to be Seen
Two major defensive errors and a lack of delivery upfront ensured the Colorado Rapids crashed to a 3-1 defeat away to DC United. Colorado managed to take a fortunate lead through an early own goal but the defensive lapses in the opening 20 minutes or so of the second half were all too much. The Rapids played their best soccer after going down 3-1 but it was all too little too late. The game was crying out for some trademark Terry Cooke crosses into the path of Conor Casey or Omar Cummings but the Englishman was nowhere to be seen and it seems increasingly likely that he has played his last game in a Rapids shirt. With no Colin Clark to provide service from the left wing, Colorado's penetration was reduced to taking on DC one on one and it didn't work. It seemed very odd that Cooke wasn't thrown into the mix just to offer up a different dimension to a strategy that wasn't working but it didn't happen. Compound that with the errors of experienced players like Pablo Mastroeni, who can have no complaints about pulling back Christian Gomez in the box, and Julien Baudet, who tried to see a ball out for a goalkick but allowed Gomez (when did he ever play as well for the Rapids?) to nick in and get the ball back for it eventually to get to a waiting Emilio to smash it into the empty net, and it was all over. It desperately needed an offensive tactical change and Cooke appeared to be the obvious choice but it never happened. A very poor second half by the Rapids and a curious tactical one at that. Let's hope for better things next week at home against the league's worst team.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
7 comments:
More proof that Terry is a vital part of the team!
Gomez schooled Baudet. Embarrassing only 2? shots on goal? Is DC's defense really that good or are our guys this afraid to shoot?
All-around awfull performance - I feel terrible for the boys....they must feel devestated.
I have a feeling New York will provide the cure we need this coming Saturday.
Speaking of New York, anyone hear if Bouna is going to suit up for New York?
James, all I know about Bouna is that he hasn't played for the Red Bulls yet. Heaven knows they need some changes at that team but I am not sure their current goalie is to blame. Bouna should at least be on the bench and I will be trying to interview him this weekend.
Nick, any indication that the Rapids will make roster moves this week that could include the loss of Cooke? I know we have pretty much been told at this point two new players who are coming into the fold but nothing has officially happened yet.
Scott, I think it's highly likely the trades will be announced this week. It was all approved as of Friday last week and Gary Smith said they were just waiting for the final authorization from the MLS. Expect something this week.
Post a Comment