*So after two weeks of really captivating, entertaining soccer, the Sunday game of the week was something of a clunker in Week 3. Yes, there was some drama with Fabián Espíndola's late game winner, but overall the play was rather sloppy. The fact that Kevin Doyle's effort where he hit the post in the first half while lying on his back was the best scoring chance in the opening 45 minutes was indicative of the type of night it was. You have to wonder how this game got the primetime slot given how bad Colorado was a year ago. Why not San Jose-LA? Or if you wanted a game already slated for Sunday, why not Sporting KC-Toronto? It's just disappointing that after building some good momentum the first two weeks of the season with a rematch of the MLS Cup in Week 1, and then a star-studded performance featuring Andrea Pirlo, Sebastian Giovinco, Michael Bradley, David Villa and others in Week 2, that this was the best we could do in Week 3.
*Now, this match probably could have been a little bit more exciting had Colorado's prize offseason offensive acquisition, Albanian striker Shkëlzen Gashi, been able to play. But no. Gashi got himself suspended for one match for, get this, running onto the field to celebrate Marco Pappa's game winner against the Galaxy last week. Now, I get it, you shouldn't run onto the field, and suspending him sends a clear message, but COME ON! Just fine the guy. He's brand new to MLS, it was a 95th minute game winning goal, cut the guy some slack. I would think a warning would have been fine in this instance, and then we would've gotten to see one of the league's most intriguing offseason additions on National television. Instead, everybody loses.
*Dominique Badji has to be one of the surprises of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Taken 67th overall, the freakishly athletic Badji has started all three of the Rapids' matches this season and while he's yet to get on the score sheet, he has managed seven shots. It will be interesting to see if Badji's still in the Starting XI once Jermaine Jones and Gashi return from their suspensions, but regardless, you don't see a lot of 4th rounders have an impact in MLS, so good for him.
*Up until Espíndola scored the equalizer, I was actually leaning towards writing what a disappointing effort he had put forth. Despite entering as a substitute, he offered limited pace and effort, and even managed to put a long range shot so far off target, that it nearly hit the corner flag. Yes, he ended the night with a team-high five shots (and the goal), and the offense certainly seemed to flow better once he entered the match, but considering he's getting Designated Player money, I just expected better from him.
*I feel for Zac MacMath as his days as a starter are clearly numbered now that Tim Howard is officially joining the Rapids this summer. That said, if MacMath continues to make plays like the one that led to the Espíndola goal, he won't have much of a case for staying on the field.
*I actually thought that Patrick Nyarko was one of the more exciting players on the field last night. The nine-year MLS veteran showed an ability to take on the Rapids defenders 1v1 and draw fouls that created a number of dangerous opportunities for DC United, even if they weren't able to capitalize on any of them.
*Marco Pappa is going to end up being a really nice addition to this Colorado squad. He's already directly responsible for all four of the points they've earned this season scoring the game winning goal against LA, and delivering the corner kick that Dillon Powers converted last night. Considering he's had five five-goal seasons, and four five-assist seasons in his MLS career, his ability to impact games on offense shouldn't come as a surprise. You can bet Seattle misses him right now.
*Axel Sjöberg is REALLY tall. At 6'7", he should really win every single ball in the air, right? We've seen how Steve Birnbaum can impact games on the offensive end, it will be interesting to see if Sjöberg can develop into that type of two-way player as well and give the Rapids another attacking option on set pieces.
Showing posts with label Colorado Rapids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Colorado Rapids. Show all posts
Monday, March 21, 2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
MLS Players on Loan for 2016
Bernardo Añor - Sporting Kansas City - Loaned to Minnesota United FC (NASL) - Minnesota United features several former MLSers including Danny Cruz, Ben Speas, Kristian Nicht (the keeper Montreal brought in for last year's Champions League Final) and their captain Aaron Pitchkolan. They are famous for recently developing USMNT midfielder Miguel Ibarra and also boast the 2014 NASL player of the year in striker Christian Ramirez. Añor started his MLS career in 2011 and had a career year in 2014 with the Columbus Crew when he scored six goals. He logged just 483 minutes with Sporting Kansas City in 2015.
Erik Palmer-Brown - Sporting Kansas City - Loaned to FC Porto (Portugal) - Just 18 years old, Palmer-Brown has already been around a while having signed his first professional contract in 2013. Palmer-Brown played in a career high 7 matches with Sporting KC in 2015. He has yet to appear in a match for Porto.
Jimmy Ockford - Seattle Sounders - Loaned to New York Cosmos (NASL) - A second round pick in 2014, Ockford, now 23, has appeared in just one regular season match for the Sounders (a start against Philadelphia last June) in his brief career. He returns to the Cosmos where he also spent the 2014 season to play alongside the likes of Jairo Arrieta, Adam Moffat, Hunter Freeman, Danny Szetela and Carlos Mendes.
Leandro Barrera - San Jose Earthquakes - Loaned to Club Atlético San Martín (Argentina) - San Martín finished 17th out of 30 teams in the Primera División in 2015. Barrera, 24, appeared in only six matches (1 start) for San Jose in 2015. He spent his first MLS season (2014) with Chivas USA for whom he made 24 starts scoring a goal and adding two assists.
Sebastian Saucedo - Real Salt Lake - Loaned to Veracruz (Liga MX) - The 19 year-old Saucedo has appeared for both the U.S. and Mexico's youth international squads and was loaned to Veracruz in January. To date, Saucedo has appeared twice as a substitute, once against América and once against Puebla. Saucedo made nine appearances during his debut season in MLS, logging 168 total minutes.
Michael Lahoud - Philadelphia Union - Loaned to New York Cosmos (NASL) - Lahoud will join Seattle's Jimmy Ockford on the Cosmos after spending the seven seasons in MLS with Chivas USA and most recently, the Philadelphia Union. The 29 year-old Sierra Leonean made 14 starts for the Union in 2015 and has two goals and eight assists in 122 career MLS appearances.
Romario Williams - Montreal Impact - Loaned to Charleston Battery (USL) - Williams, the third overall pick in the 2015 SuperDraft, made just two appearances for the Impact during the 2015 regular season. He joins the Battery who were winners of the 2015 Southern Derby, but whose last true hardware came when they won the USL League Championship in 2012.
Juan Ramírez - Colorado Rapids - Loaned to Almería (Spain) - Signed to a young designated player contract in 2015, Ramírez scored a goal and added three assists during his debut season with the Rapids. He will play on loan in Spain's second division with Almería for a period of six months. According to Almería's Wikipedia page, Ramírez has currently logged four appearances during the regular season. The club currently sits in 19th place.
Erik Palmer-Brown - Sporting Kansas City - Loaned to FC Porto (Portugal) - Just 18 years old, Palmer-Brown has already been around a while having signed his first professional contract in 2013. Palmer-Brown played in a career high 7 matches with Sporting KC in 2015. He has yet to appear in a match for Porto.
Jimmy Ockford - Seattle Sounders - Loaned to New York Cosmos (NASL) - A second round pick in 2014, Ockford, now 23, has appeared in just one regular season match for the Sounders (a start against Philadelphia last June) in his brief career. He returns to the Cosmos where he also spent the 2014 season to play alongside the likes of Jairo Arrieta, Adam Moffat, Hunter Freeman, Danny Szetela and Carlos Mendes.
Leandro Barrera - San Jose Earthquakes - Loaned to Club Atlético San Martín (Argentina) - San Martín finished 17th out of 30 teams in the Primera División in 2015. Barrera, 24, appeared in only six matches (1 start) for San Jose in 2015. He spent his first MLS season (2014) with Chivas USA for whom he made 24 starts scoring a goal and adding two assists.
Sebastian Saucedo - Real Salt Lake - Loaned to Veracruz (Liga MX) - The 19 year-old Saucedo has appeared for both the U.S. and Mexico's youth international squads and was loaned to Veracruz in January. To date, Saucedo has appeared twice as a substitute, once against América and once against Puebla. Saucedo made nine appearances during his debut season in MLS, logging 168 total minutes.
Michael Lahoud - Philadelphia Union - Loaned to New York Cosmos (NASL) - Lahoud will join Seattle's Jimmy Ockford on the Cosmos after spending the seven seasons in MLS with Chivas USA and most recently, the Philadelphia Union. The 29 year-old Sierra Leonean made 14 starts for the Union in 2015 and has two goals and eight assists in 122 career MLS appearances.
Romario Williams - Montreal Impact - Loaned to Charleston Battery (USL) - Williams, the third overall pick in the 2015 SuperDraft, made just two appearances for the Impact during the 2015 regular season. He joins the Battery who were winners of the 2015 Southern Derby, but whose last true hardware came when they won the USL League Championship in 2012.
Juan Ramírez - Colorado Rapids - Loaned to Almería (Spain) - Signed to a young designated player contract in 2015, Ramírez scored a goal and added three assists during his debut season with the Rapids. He will play on loan in Spain's second division with Almería for a period of six months. According to Almería's Wikipedia page, Ramírez has currently logged four appearances during the regular season. The club currently sits in 19th place.
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Who's Adding Who - Colorado Rapids - Update 2
Latest moves in red.
In:
M Marcelo Sarvas (2/1/16 - traded to D.C. United) - DC United
In:
M Micheal Azira (12/9/15 - Waiver Draft) - The Ugandan-born Azira spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Sounders appearing in 25 regular season matches including 11 in 2015. Now 28, Azira has yet to notch a goal or an assist in MLS.
M Marco Pappa (12/15/15 - trade from Seattle) - The veteran Guatemalan midfielder is entering his eighth MLS season, the last two of which were spent with the Sounders. Pappa has scored at least five goals five times, and recorded as least five assists four times including a career-best six in 2015. Pappa has scored 11 goals for Guatemala an was named the Golden Ball Winner at the 2014 Copa Centroamericana as the tournament's best player.
M Zach Pfeffer (1/15/16 - trade from Philadelphia) - Pfeffer is getting ready for his sixth MLS season despite just turning 21 earlier this month. Signed to a homegrown player deal at the age of 15 with the Union, Pfeffer had his best MLS season in 2015 appearing in 21 matches while also getting playing time for the USMNT U-23s.
F Shkëlzen Gashi (2/1/16 - transfer from Basel) - The 27 year old Albanian striker joins the Rapids from FC Basel on a designated player contract after spending the past 10 seasons in Switzerland. The Swiss Super League Golden Boot Winner for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns combined to score 41 regular season goals in that two-year stretch.
D Mekeil Williams (2/4/16 - transfer from Antigua GFC) - A member of Trinidad and Tobago's National Team, Williams played most recently with Antigua GFC in Guatemala before making the move to MLS. Now 25 years old, Williams has played professionally in Europe with Pogoń Szczecin (Poland) and FC Fyn (Denmark).
F Conor Doyle (2/9/16 - trade from D.C. United) - Doyle started his professional career with Derby County before coming to MLS on loan in 2013 where he remained until the trade to Colorado. Doyle, who has played for youth national teams from the U.S. and Ireland, started a career high ten games in 2015, scoring a pair of goals. In his career he has four goals and one assist in 56 appearances (19 starts).
D Eric Miller (2/14/16 - trade from Montreal Impact) - A member of the USMNT U-23s, Miller debuted with the Impact in 2014, but was limited to just nine appearances (six starts) in 2015. The fifth overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Miller has primarily served as a right back, but could also see time on the left this season.
F Shkëlzen Gashi (2/1/16 - transfer from Basel) - The 27 year old Albanian striker joins the Rapids from FC Basel on a designated player contract after spending the past 10 seasons in Switzerland. The Swiss Super League Golden Boot Winner for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns combined to score 41 regular season goals in that two-year stretch.
D Mekeil Williams (2/4/16 - transfer from Antigua GFC) - A member of Trinidad and Tobago's National Team, Williams played most recently with Antigua GFC in Guatemala before making the move to MLS. Now 25 years old, Williams has played professionally in Europe with Pogoń Szczecin (Poland) and FC Fyn (Denmark).
F Conor Doyle (2/9/16 - trade from D.C. United) - Doyle started his professional career with Derby County before coming to MLS on loan in 2013 where he remained until the trade to Colorado. Doyle, who has played for youth national teams from the U.S. and Ireland, started a career high ten games in 2015, scoring a pair of goals. In his career he has four goals and one assist in 56 appearances (19 starts).
D Eric Miller (2/14/16 - trade from Montreal Impact) - A member of the USMNT U-23s, Miller debuted with the Impact in 2014, but was limited to just nine appearances (six starts) in 2015. The fifth overall pick in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, Miller has primarily served as a right back, but could also see time on the left this season.
Out:
D James Riley (12/3/15 - option declined)
D Drew Moor (12/3/15 - option declined) - Toronto FC
M Nick LaBrocca (12/3/15 - option declined) - Chicago Fire
M Lucas Pittinari (12/3/15 - option declined) - Belgrano (Argentina)
M Vicente Sánchez (12/3/15 - option declined)
M Carlos Alvarez (12/3/15 - option declined) - San Antonio FC (USL)
F Charles Eloundou (12/3/15 - option declined) - Jacksonville Armada (NASL)
F Gabriel Torres (12/3/15 - option declined) - Zamora FC (Venezuela)
D Michael Harrington (12/3/15 - out of contract) - Chicago Fire
GK Clint Irwin (1/18/16 - traded to Toronto) - Toronto FC
GK Clint Irwin (1/18/16 - traded to Toronto) - Toronto FC
D Maynor Figueroa (1/26/16 - traded to Dallas) - FC Dallas
M Juan Ramirez (1/26/16 - loaned to Almeria) - UD Almería (Spain)
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Who's Adding Who - Colorado Rapids - Update 1
Latest moves in red.
In:
M - Marcelo Sarvas (2/1/16 - traded to D.C. United - DC United
In:
M Micheal Azira (12/9/15 - Waiver Draft) - The Ugandan-born Azira spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Sounders appearing in 25 regular season matches including 11 in 2015. Now 28, Azira has yet to notch a goal or an assist in MLS.
M Marco Pappa (12/15/15 - trade from Seattle) - The veteran Guatemalan midfielder is entering his eighth MLS season, the last two of which were spent with the Sounders. Pappa has scored at least five goals five times, and recorded as least five assists four times including a career-best six in 2015. Pappa has scored 11 goals for Guatemala an was named the Golden Ball Winner at the 2014 Copa Centroamericana as the tournament's best player.
M Zach Pfeffer (1/15/16 - trade from Philadelphia) - Pfeffer is getting ready for his sixth MLS season despite just turning 21 earlier this month. Signed to a homegrown player deal at the age of 15 with the Union, Pfeffer had his best MLS season in 2015 appearing in 21 matches while also getting playing time for the USMNT U-23s.
F Shkëlzen Gashi (2/1/16 - transfer from Basel) - The 27 year old Albanian striker joins the Rapids from FC Basel on a designated player contract after spending the past 10 seasons in Switzerland. The Swiss Super League Golden Boot Winner for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns combined to score 41 regular season goals in that two-year stretch.
F Shkëlzen Gashi (2/1/16 - transfer from Basel) - The 27 year old Albanian striker joins the Rapids from FC Basel on a designated player contract after spending the past 10 seasons in Switzerland. The Swiss Super League Golden Boot Winner for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 campaigns combined to score 41 regular season goals in that two-year stretch.
Out:
D James Riley (12/3/15 - option declined)
D Drew Moor (12/3/15 - option declined) - Toronto FC
M Nick LaBrocca (12/3/15 - option declined) - Chicago Fire
M Lucas Pittinari (12/3/15 - option declined) - Belgrano (Argentina)
M Vicente Sánchez (12/3/15 - option declined)
M Carlos Alvarez (12/3/15 - option declined)
F Charles Eloundou (12/3/15 - option declined)
F Gabriel Torres (12/3/15 - option declined) - Zamora FC (Venezuela)
D Bobby Burling (12/3/15 - out of contract)
D Michael Harrington (12/3/15 - out of contract) - Chicago Fire
GK Clint Irwin (1/18/16 - traded to Toronto) - Toronto FC
GK Clint Irwin (1/18/16 - traded to Toronto) - Toronto FC
D Maynor Figueroa (1/26/16 - traded to Dallas) - FC Dallas
M Juan Ramirez (1/26/16 - loaned to Almeria) - UD Almería (Spain)
Thursday, January 28, 2016
Who's Adding Who - Colorado Rapids
In:
M Micheal Azira (12/9/15 - Waiver Draft) - The Ugandan-born Azira spent the last two seasons with the Seattle Sounders appearing in 25 regular season matches including 11 in 2015. Now 28, Azira has yet to notch a goal or an assist in MLS.
M Marco Pappa (12/15/15 - trade from Seattle) - The veteran Guatemalan midfielder is entering his eighth MLS season, the last two of which were spent with the Sounders. Pappa has scored at least five goals five times, and recorded as least five assists four times including a career-best six in 2015. Pappa has scored 11 goals for Guatemala an was named the Golden Ball Winner at the 2014 Copa Centroamericana as the tournament's best player.
M Zach Pfeffer (1/15/16 - trade from Philadelphia) - Pfeffer is getting ready for his sixth MLS season despite just turning 21 earlier this month. Signed to a homegrown player deal at the age of 15 with the Union, Pfeffer had his best MLS season in 2015 appearing in 21 matches while also getting playing time for the USMNT U-23s.
Out:
D James Riley (12/3/15 - option declined)
D Drew Moor (12/3/15 - option declined) - Toronto FC
M Nick LaBrocca (12/3/15 - option declined) - Chicago Fire
M Lucas Pittinari (12/3/15 - option declined) - Belgrano (Argentina)
M Vicente Sánchez (12/3/15 - option declined)
M Carlos Alvarez (12/3/15 - option declined)
F Charles Eloundou (12/3/15 - option declined)
F Gabriel Torres (12/3/15 - option declined) - Zamora FC (Venezuela)
D Bobby Burling (12/3/15 - out of contract)
D Michael Harrington (12/3/15 - out of contract) - Chicago Fire
GK Clint Irwin (1/18/16 - traded to Toronto) - Toronto FC
GK Clint Irwin (1/18/16 - traded to Toronto) - Toronto FC
D Maynor Figueroa (1/26/16 - traded to Dallas) - FC Dallas
M Juan Ramirez (1/26/16 - loaned to Almeria) - UD Almería (Spain)
Friday, January 8, 2016
Odds and Ends
Ridgwell to Debut this Weekend?
Portland Timbers center back Liam Ridgewell is on loan until February with English Football League Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, and may get his first action this weekend as Brighton takes on Hull City on Saturday morning. If he does, he'll have a chance to match up against former Chicago Fire striker Shaun Maloney who joined Hull City in August after spending just eight months in Chicago. Maloney has scored one goal since returning to England.
Copa América Centenario Playoffs
Today Panama City will play host to the final two play-in games for the Copa América Centenario. In the first match, Panama will take on Cuba, and in the second Trinidad and Tobago will play Haiti. Current MLSers Aníbal Godoy (Panama, San Jose), Joevin Jones (Trinidad and Tobago, Chicago), Kevan George (Trinidad and Tobago, Columbus), and Cordell Cato (Trinidad and Tobago, San Jose) will all be suiting up for the matches as well as a number of former/unsigned MLSers including Soni Mustivar (Haiti), Blas Pérez (Panama), Gabriel Torres (Panama) and Daneil Cyrus (Trinidad and Tobago). The actual tournament, which will be held in the United States, will begin in early June.
Portland Timbers center back Liam Ridgewell is on loan until February with English Football League Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion, and may get his first action this weekend as Brighton takes on Hull City on Saturday morning. If he does, he'll have a chance to match up against former Chicago Fire striker Shaun Maloney who joined Hull City in August after spending just eight months in Chicago. Maloney has scored one goal since returning to England.
Copa América Centenario Playoffs
Today Panama City will play host to the final two play-in games for the Copa América Centenario. In the first match, Panama will take on Cuba, and in the second Trinidad and Tobago will play Haiti. Current MLSers Aníbal Godoy (Panama, San Jose), Joevin Jones (Trinidad and Tobago, Chicago), Kevan George (Trinidad and Tobago, Columbus), and Cordell Cato (Trinidad and Tobago, San Jose) will all be suiting up for the matches as well as a number of former/unsigned MLSers including Soni Mustivar (Haiti), Blas Pérez (Panama), Gabriel Torres (Panama) and Daneil Cyrus (Trinidad and Tobago). The actual tournament, which will be held in the United States, will begin in early June.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Making Moves
Here's a look at three more moves in what has already been a busy MLS offseason:
1) Marco Pappa traded to Colorado. Pappa's two year stint with the Sounders has drawn to a close as the Guatemalan midfielder was shipped to Colorado for cash earlier this month. It comes as a bit of a surprise that Seattle would cut ties with the useful midfielder, but in addition to Pappa, the Sounders will also be heading into 2016 without Lamar Neagle (DC United), Michael Azira (Colorado) and Andy Rose (Coventry City) in addition to having Chad Barrett, Leonardo Gonzalez, Troy Perkins, Gonzalo Pineda and Zach Scott all not under contract. Pappa should provide an immediate boost to the Rapids' league-worst attack and adds a veteran presence to their midfield. The MVP of the 2014 Copa Centroamericana has 35 goals and 27 assists in 161 regular season matches for Seattle and Chicago, and has also notched three assists in ten postseason appearances. He also scored this gem against the U.S. during World Cup Qualifying in 2012.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Making Moves
Lots of moves in the early stages of the MLS offseason, but here's my thoughts on three:
1) Drew Moor Signs with Toronto - Moor leaves the Colorado Rapids where he won an MLS Cup in 2010 and made it to his first All Star game in 2015, a season after suffering an ACL injury. A veteran of 11 MLS seasons, Moor has appeared in over 300 regular season matches, as well as appearing for the U.S. Men's National Team in 2007 and 2008. What Moor will give Toronto is a veteran presence on a back line that allowed a league-worst 58 goals during the 2015 regular season. For all of Colorado's struggles during the 2015 season, the defense conceded just 43 goals, ranking behind only FC Dallas, Vancouver, Portland, Seattle and San Jose. Toronto had no trouble scoring goals this past season with the likes of Jozy Altidore, Sebastian Giovinco and Michael Bradley running the offense, but with the addition of Moor and Steven Beitashour, the defense becomes less of a liability moving forward.
2) Tyler Miller Signs with Seattle - So last winter Miller made headlines by opting not to sign with the Sounders in favor of a fourth division opportunity in Germany, a topic of conversation that we covered in our Superman & SoccerSmith Q&A last January. Now, a little under a year later, Miller has signed a deal with the Sounders for the 2016 season. Funny how things work out. Stefan Frei is still the number one guy in Seattle, but with Troy Perkins' option declined, Miller has a chance to serve as his back-up.
3) Dan Kennedy Traded to LA Galaxy - I was excited last year when Kennedy joined FC Dallas, and I'm equally excited about him getting picked up by the Galaxy this year. While he won't have defensive stalwart Omar Gonzalez in front of him in 2016, the Galaxy will still likely be one of league's top teams, and Kennedy will be an upgrade over the declining Donovan Ricketts in net. Kennedy allowed just 19 goals in 16 starts for FC Dallas last season before getting replaced by 20 year old phenom Jesse Gonzalez down the stretch. Dallas, in return for Kennedy, will receive a pair of draft picks in 2017.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
U.S. U-23s Throttled in Loss to Brazil, 5-1
An early 1-0 lead quickly became a distant memory as the U.S. U-23s found themselves on the wrong end of a rout in Brazil. The two teams went into halftime tied at one goal apiece before the floodgates opened up and Brazil wound up winning 5-1. The U.S. were outscored 7-2 in their two game series with the Brazilians. It was a disappointing trip for the U.S. as they get ready for next year's two-game series with Colombia to determine the final spot in the 2016 Olympics. Colombia split two games with Brazil earlier this year in the South American Youth Football Championship, dropping their first match 2-1, before beating them 3-0. Here's a look at how MLS was represented in the Starting XI of today's defeat:
Starters vs Brazil
Dave Romney - LA Galaxy
Eric Miller - Montreal Impact
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Khiry Shelton - New York City FC
Starters vs Brazil
Dave Romney - LA Galaxy
Eric Miller - Montreal Impact
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Khiry Shelton - New York City FC
Friday, October 30, 2015
Season in Review: Colorado Rapids
Record: 9-15-10, 37 pts, 10th Place Western Conference
Goals For: 33
Goals Against: 43
Team Leaders
Goals: Kevin Doyle - 5
Assists: Dillon Powers - 6
Shutouts: Clint Irwin - 8
All-Stars: Drew Moor, Sam Cronin, Clint Irwin
Year in Review
No team scored fewer goals than the Rapids in 2015 and ultimately their attack would be their undoing as they missed the playoffs for the third time in four years. Struggling to find a lineup that could bring results, the Rapids did not have a single field player with more than 25 starts. Youngster Shane O'Neill, who represented the U.S. during the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, only made four appearances before being transferred to Apollon Limassol in Cyprus. Dillon Serna was on the U.S. U-23 squad that finished third in CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying this month, but only made eight starts for the Rapids this year. Jamaican striker Deshorn Brown scored 10 goals for the Rapids in both 2013 and 2014, but was sold to Vålerenga (Norway) in March, and the Rapids never did figure out a way to replace him. Irish International Kevin Doyle failed to duplicate Robbie Keane's MLS success scoring just five goals in 20 appearances, but that was still enough to lead the team. In total the Rapids were shutout 11 times in 2015 and scored just one goal in 16 other matches. Still, Colorado offered glimpses of promise with a pair of three game winning streaks before going 1-6-1 over their final eight games. SuperDraftees Dominique Badji, Joseph Greenspan, and Axel Sjöberg all stuck around over the course of the season, and the Rapids brought in some young talent in Lucas Pittinari (23) and designated player Juan Ramírez (22) this year. Ultimately though, if not for Clint Irwin's heroics in net, the season could have played out substantially worse.
What's Next?
The Rapids have an open Designated Player spot on their roster so I would expect them to go after someone, either a striker or central midfielder, who could dramatically boost their attack. As the lowest scoring team in the league, they need to do something to generate more chances. The other thing they need to figure out is if they can contend right now, or if they're building for a year or two from now. The Rapids boast a number of players on the wrong side of 30 on their roster: Marc Burch (31), Bobby Burling (31), Kevin Doyle (32), Maynor Figueroa (32), Nick LaBrocca (30), Drew Moor (31), James Riley (33), Vicente Sánchez (35), Marcelo Sarvas (34) and Sean St. Ledger (30). While there is certainly value in having veteran leadership and experience on your roster, I think the Rapids went too far in that direction and have somewhat stifled the development of some of their younger talent. I would expect a lot of the older guys to be gone next year, and see Colorado embrace the youth movement while building for a big-time run in 2017.
Goals For: 33
Goals Against: 43
Team Leaders
Goals: Kevin Doyle - 5
Assists: Dillon Powers - 6
Shutouts: Clint Irwin - 8
All-Stars: Drew Moor, Sam Cronin, Clint Irwin
Year in Review
No team scored fewer goals than the Rapids in 2015 and ultimately their attack would be their undoing as they missed the playoffs for the third time in four years. Struggling to find a lineup that could bring results, the Rapids did not have a single field player with more than 25 starts. Youngster Shane O'Neill, who represented the U.S. during the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, only made four appearances before being transferred to Apollon Limassol in Cyprus. Dillon Serna was on the U.S. U-23 squad that finished third in CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying this month, but only made eight starts for the Rapids this year. Jamaican striker Deshorn Brown scored 10 goals for the Rapids in both 2013 and 2014, but was sold to Vålerenga (Norway) in March, and the Rapids never did figure out a way to replace him. Irish International Kevin Doyle failed to duplicate Robbie Keane's MLS success scoring just five goals in 20 appearances, but that was still enough to lead the team. In total the Rapids were shutout 11 times in 2015 and scored just one goal in 16 other matches. Still, Colorado offered glimpses of promise with a pair of three game winning streaks before going 1-6-1 over their final eight games. SuperDraftees Dominique Badji, Joseph Greenspan, and Axel Sjöberg all stuck around over the course of the season, and the Rapids brought in some young talent in Lucas Pittinari (23) and designated player Juan Ramírez (22) this year. Ultimately though, if not for Clint Irwin's heroics in net, the season could have played out substantially worse.
What's Next?
The Rapids have an open Designated Player spot on their roster so I would expect them to go after someone, either a striker or central midfielder, who could dramatically boost their attack. As the lowest scoring team in the league, they need to do something to generate more chances. The other thing they need to figure out is if they can contend right now, or if they're building for a year or two from now. The Rapids boast a number of players on the wrong side of 30 on their roster: Marc Burch (31), Bobby Burling (31), Kevin Doyle (32), Maynor Figueroa (32), Nick LaBrocca (30), Drew Moor (31), James Riley (33), Vicente Sánchez (35), Marcelo Sarvas (34) and Sean St. Ledger (30). While there is certainly value in having veteran leadership and experience on your roster, I think the Rapids went too far in that direction and have somewhat stifled the development of some of their younger talent. I would expect a lot of the older guys to be gone next year, and see Colorado embrace the youth movement while building for a big-time run in 2017.
Monday, October 26, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch - Week 34
As the 2015 MLS regular season drew to a close yesterday, we saw 11 different rookies take the field across various competitions during the final week of the season. Highlights included Dominique Badji's second goal of the season, Fatai Alashe's second assist of the season, and multiple starts by Sporting KC's Saad Abdul-Salaam, as well as Colorado's Axel Sjöberg and Badji. Here's a rundown of all the rookie action in the final week of the season:
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 1 shot
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs New England, 56 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins, 1 assist
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs LA, 90 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston - 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs Vancouver, 1 min
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 20 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 74 mins, 1 shot
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Sub vs Olimpia, 28 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Comunicaciones, 90 mins
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 1 shot
2 - Khiry Shelton - New York City FC - Started vs New England, 56 mins
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins, 1 assist
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs Colorado, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Started vs LA, 90 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston - 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Sub vs Vancouver, 1 min
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs Real Salt Lake, 20 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 74 mins, 1 shot
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Sub vs Olimpia, 28 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Comunicaciones, 90 mins
Monday, October 12, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 32
Not a lot going on this week, with only three matches on the slate, but we did see a trio of Rapids take the field in their Saturday showdown with the Montreal Impact. Here's a rundown of all the action:
MLS
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 2 shots
26 - Joseph Greenspan - Colorado - Sub vs Montreal, 5 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 2 shots
MLS
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs FC Dallas, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 2 shots
26 - Joseph Greenspan - Colorado - Sub vs Montreal, 5 mins
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 2 shots
Wednesday, October 7, 2015
U.S. U-23s Complete Sweep of Group A
The U.S. scored four times in the second half as they completed group play of Olympic Qualifying with a perfect 3-0 record following a 4-0 defeat of Panama. Second half substitutes Jerome Kiesewetter and Jordan Morris both scored goals while captain Luis Gil (Real Salt Lake) converted a penalty kick for the U.S. who outscored their opponents 13-2 during their three opening matches. The U.S. will be joined in the semifinals by Canada after their 2-2 draw with Cuba. Canada's Michael Petrasso (Queens Park Rangers) has scored in all three of Canada's matches thus far and is tied with Kiesewetter and Morris for the tournament-lead in goal scoring with three. Mexico and Honduras will face off tonight in Colorado to determine who plays who in the semifinals on Saturday.
Monday, October 5, 2015
US U-23s Rout Cuba in Olympic Qualifying, Clinch Semifinal Berth
Ths U.S. U-23s have clinched a spot in the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Semifinals after a convincing 6-1 win over Cuba. The U.S. scored three goals on each side of halftime conceding only deep into stoppage time in a match whose result was never really in doubt. Jerome Kiesewetter (VfB Stuttgart) scored a pair of goals while the U.S.'s MLS contingent contributed a goal and four assists. Jordan Morris, who scored twice in the U.S.'s opener, also added an assist in the rout. The U.S. will wrap up group play tomorrow against Panama. Panama fell 3-1 to Canada on Saturday leaving them on the outside looking in as they trail Canada by two points in the standings. Canada will take on winless Cuba in their final match of group play with a chance to clinch a semifinal berth of their own. Over in Group B, Mexico and Honduras have both already clinched semifinal berths after Mexico defeated Haiti 1-0 and Honduras upended Costa Rica 2-0. Mexico will play Honduras on Wednesday to determine the Group winner.
Here's a rundown of the MLSers who featured for Andi Herzog's U-23s on Saturday:
Starters:
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire - 1 assist
Matt Miazga - New York Red Bulls - 1 goal
Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - 2 assists
Wil Trapp - Columbus Crew (Captain)
Marc Pelosi - San Jose Earthquakes - 1 assist
Subs:
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids - Did Not Play
Fatai Alashe - San Jose Earthquakes - Did Not Play
Here's a rundown of the MLSers who featured for Andi Herzog's U-23s on Saturday:
Starters:
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire - 1 assist
Matt Miazga - New York Red Bulls - 1 goal
Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake - 2 assists
Wil Trapp - Columbus Crew (Captain)
Marc Pelosi - San Jose Earthquakes - 1 assist
Subs:
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids - Did Not Play
Fatai Alashe - San Jose Earthquakes - Did Not Play
Friday, October 2, 2015
Jordan Morris Paces U-23s to Win in Olympic Qualifying Opener
Jordan Morris is back and has the United States off to a solid start as they try to qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 2008. Opening the tournament against Canada, who beat the U.S. during Olympic Qualifying in 2012, Morris and the U.S. wasted little time scoring in the opening minute en route to a 3-1 win. Morris would add a second goal before Real Salt Lake's Luis Gil added a stoppage time penalty to secure the victory. The U.S. will wrap up group play with matches against Cuba on Saturday and then Panama on Sunday. Panama and Cuba drew 1-1 in their Opener. Group B will be in action today with Mexico taking on Costa Rica and Honduras facing off against Haiti.
Here's a rundown of the MLSers who featured for Andi Herzog's U-23s.
Starters:
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Matt Miazga - New York Red Bulls
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids
Fatai Alashe - San Jose Earthquakes
Wil Trapp - Columbus Crew (Captain)
Subs:
Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake
Marc Pelosi - San Jose Earthquakes
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake
Trapp assisted on Morris's second goal.
Here's a rundown of the MLSers who featured for Andi Herzog's U-23s.
Starters:
Matt Polster - Chicago Fire
Matt Miazga - New York Red Bulls
Dillon Serna - Colorado Rapids
Fatai Alashe - San Jose Earthquakes
Wil Trapp - Columbus Crew (Captain)
Subs:
Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake
Marc Pelosi - San Jose Earthquakes
Luis Gil - Real Salt Lake
Trapp assisted on Morris's second goal.
Monday, August 31, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Report, Week 26
Tim Parker and Miguel Aguilar led the rookie class this week as both scored goals in tournament play. Parker scored a clinching goal in the Canadian Championship as Vancouver claimed the tournament championship for the first time while Aguilar scored his second consecutive game winner in the Champions League for DC United. In other action, Cyle Larin just missed being credited with his record-setting 12th goal of the year, but while the ball wound up in the net, it was ruled an own goal by the officials. Elsewhere the cards were flying as four different players, Matt Polster, Saad Abdul-Salaam, Axel Sjöberg and Oniel Fisher all picked up yellows in a busy week. Here's a rundown of all the action:
Canadian Championship
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
CCL
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Olimpia, 90 mins, 1 shot
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Montego Bay United, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Chicago, 82 mins, 2 shots
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, yellow card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Colorado, 66 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Portland, 27 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs San Jose, 2 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs Sporting KC, 28 mins, 1 shot
Canadian Championship
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Montreal, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
CCL
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Olimpia, 90 mins, 1 shot
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Montego Bay United, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Chicago, 82 mins, 2 shots
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs NYRB, 90 mins, yellow card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Colorado, 66 mins, 1 shot, yellow card
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Houston, 90 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, 3 shots, yellow card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs Portland, 27 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs San Jose, 2 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
67 - Dominique Badji - Colorado - Sub vs Sporting KC, 28 mins, 1 shot
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 23
Orlando City's Conor Donovan made his MLS debut against Philadelphia, but hobbled off in the first half with a knee injury. Elsewhere, ejections were the name of the game this week as both San Jose's Fatai Alashe and Colorado's Axel Sjöberg earned double yellows and were sent off in their respective club's losses. Meanwhile, four rookies got Champions League starts with both Vancouver's Tim Parker and LA's Ignacio Maganto finding the back of the net. Here's a rundown of all the action:
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Toronto FC, 90 mins, 3 shots
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 2 shots
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Houston, 60 mins, yellow card, red card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Toronto, 90 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 14 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Columbus, 89 mins, yellow card, red card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 86 mins 2 shots
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 2 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs Seattle, 1 min
22 - Conor Donovan - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 14 mins
27 - Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake - Sub vs Vancouver, 18 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 30 mins, 2 shots, yellow card
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Central, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
MLS
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Toronto FC, 90 mins, 3 shots
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins, 2 shots
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs Houston, 60 mins, yellow card, red card
7 - Matt Polster - Chicago - Started vs Portland, 90 mins, yellow card
10 - Connor Hallisey - Sporting KC - Started vs Toronto, 90 mins, 1 shot
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 14 mins
14 - Axel Sjöberg - Colorado - Started vs Columbus, 89 mins, yellow card, red card
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 86 mins 2 shots
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Sub vs Toronto, 2 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Sub vs Seattle, 1 min
22 - Conor Donovan - Orlando City - Started vs Philadelphia, 14 mins
27 - Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake - Sub vs Vancouver, 18 mins
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Sub vs LA, 30 mins, 2 shots, yellow card
CCL
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs Seattle, 90 mins, 1 shot, 1 goal
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
21 - Ignacio Maganto - LA Galaxy - Started vs Central, 90 mins, 2 shots, 1 goal
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Vancouver, 90 mins
Monday, July 13, 2015
MLS Weekly Recap, Week 19
Here's this week's recap:
Ricardo Clark and Will Bruin both scored as the Dynamo defeated the Wondo-less Quakes 2-0. Nigerian midfielder Rasheed Olabiyi made his MLS debut when he came on as a second half substitute... Bradley Wright-Phillips bagged two goals and an assist in the game's opening 12 minutes as the Red Bulls routed the Revolution 4-1. For the Revs it was their fifth straight loss and they've won just once since May 2nd... Vincent Nogueira scored a pair of goals and midfielder Cristian Maidana added three assists as the Union throttled the Timbers 3-0. Brian Sylvestre earned the shutout in net for the Union who dealt the Timbers their first loss with Will Johnson in the starting lineup. They had been 5-0 in his five previous starts... Playing without Cyle Larin (Gold Cup) or Kaká (red card suspension), Orlando City struggled to generate any offense as they fell to Dan Kennedy and FC Dallas 2-0. The win was Dallas's third straight and they haven't conceded a goal in three straight matches... Dominic Oduro scored twice and Marco Donadel tallied his first MLS goal as Montreal pulled off a 3-0 upset over the Columbus Crew. Kei Kamara, the league's leading scorer, attempted five shots, but failed to put any on frame... Jason Johnson scored the only goal of the match in stoppage time as the Fire surprised the Seattle Sounders 1-0. Homegrown player Patrick Doody made his MLS debut and went a full 90 minutes at left back in the win while Mike Magee made his first start of the season... Colorado scored three times after the 80th minute including twice in stoppage time to shock Real Salt Lake 3-1. Sebastián Jaime scored for the third straight match for RSL, but was also ejected in the 84th minute setting up the Rapids' win... Sebastian Giovinco and David Villa put on quite a show combing for 5 goals and an assist in a wild 4-4 tie between New York City FC and Toronto FC... Defender Kevin Ellis scored the only goal of the match as Sporting Kansas City, despite starting a pair of rookies in defense, shutout Vancouver 1-0.
Ricardo Clark and Will Bruin both scored as the Dynamo defeated the Wondo-less Quakes 2-0. Nigerian midfielder Rasheed Olabiyi made his MLS debut when he came on as a second half substitute... Bradley Wright-Phillips bagged two goals and an assist in the game's opening 12 minutes as the Red Bulls routed the Revolution 4-1. For the Revs it was their fifth straight loss and they've won just once since May 2nd... Vincent Nogueira scored a pair of goals and midfielder Cristian Maidana added three assists as the Union throttled the Timbers 3-0. Brian Sylvestre earned the shutout in net for the Union who dealt the Timbers their first loss with Will Johnson in the starting lineup. They had been 5-0 in his five previous starts... Playing without Cyle Larin (Gold Cup) or Kaká (red card suspension), Orlando City struggled to generate any offense as they fell to Dan Kennedy and FC Dallas 2-0. The win was Dallas's third straight and they haven't conceded a goal in three straight matches... Dominic Oduro scored twice and Marco Donadel tallied his first MLS goal as Montreal pulled off a 3-0 upset over the Columbus Crew. Kei Kamara, the league's leading scorer, attempted five shots, but failed to put any on frame... Jason Johnson scored the only goal of the match in stoppage time as the Fire surprised the Seattle Sounders 1-0. Homegrown player Patrick Doody made his MLS debut and went a full 90 minutes at left back in the win while Mike Magee made his first start of the season... Colorado scored three times after the 80th minute including twice in stoppage time to shock Real Salt Lake 3-1. Sebastián Jaime scored for the third straight match for RSL, but was also ejected in the 84th minute setting up the Rapids' win... Sebastian Giovinco and David Villa put on quite a show combing for 5 goals and an assist in a wild 4-4 tie between New York City FC and Toronto FC... Defender Kevin Ellis scored the only goal of the match as Sporting Kansas City, despite starting a pair of rookies in defense, shutout Vancouver 1-0.
Monday, July 6, 2015
MLS Weekly Recap, Week 18
Here's this week's recap:
First, the US Open Cup's 5th Round: The Union lost CJ Sapong less than 30 minutes into the match to a red card, but still managed to score twice while a man down and stun DC United to advance to the quarterfinals... Carlos Rivas scored for the fourth time in the tournament as Columbus was shutout 2-0, but more importantly, the Crew's Will Trapp returned after a 3-month absence following a concussion. Trapp had not played in a match since April 8th against Vancouver... Mike Magee scored his first two goals of 2015 as Chicago rallied from a 1-0 deficit and knocked the USL's last representative out of this year's tournament... Joe Willis picked up his second shutout in a row and 19 year-old Colombian Mauro Manotas supplied all of the offense as Houston knocked off the Rapids 1-0... The Red Bulls rocked another crosstown rival as they defeated the Cosmos 4-1, but lost right back Chris Duvall in the process to a broken leg. 18 year-old Anatole Abang (Cameroon) continued his hot streak as he added another goal in the win... Dom Dwyer scored FOUR times, Krisztián Németh scored twice, and Benny Feilhaber tallied three assists as Sporting KC destroyed FC Dallas 6-2. Dwyer needed less than a half to achieve his hat trick... The Portland Timbers couldn't solve Real Salt Lake and despite knocking out their nemesis, the Seattle Sounders, they will not advance to the quarterfinals... Jose Villarreal scored early and the Wondo-less (read punchless) Quakes had no answer as they came up short against their intrastate rivals.
Now, onto league play: Alex came off the bench to score against the team that traded him, but Houston couldn't hold a late lead against Chicago. Patrick Nyarko entered the match at halftime for Chicago making his 2015 debut and scored the equalizer... DC United's Fabián Espíndola was sent off in the opening 30 minutes and the Sounders eventually took advantage behind Tyrone Mears' first MLS goal... Normally on the distributing end, Ethan Finlay scored twice in Columbus's 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Red Bulls. Kei Kamara assisted on both goals while youngster Anatole Abang continued his hot streak by adding another goal for New York. Will Trapp appeared in his first MLS match since April when he came off the bench in the 88th minute... David Villa scored twice as New York City FC knocked off Montreal 2-1. The Spaniard has 5 goals in his last four matches including a pair of braces... New England's struggles continue as they got buried 3-0 by FC Dallas. New England has lost four straight and won just once since May 2nd... Irish international Kevin Doyle opened his MLS account with a game winner against Vancouver. It was just Colorado's third win of the season and their first since May 23rd, ironically also against the Whitecaps... Kaká scored and then earned his first red card EVER as Orlando City was forced to settle for a draw with Real Salt Lake... Robbie Keane scored three times and the Galaxy routed Toronto 4-0 in Stefan Ishizaki's last game as a member of the Galaxy before he heads back to Sweden. Toronto played without Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore who are both with the U.S. for the Gold Cup... Jack Jewsbury scored in stoppage time as the Timbers snuck by the Earthquakes 1-0. Portland has won six of seven and is 5-0-0 in games started by Will Johnson.
First, the US Open Cup's 5th Round: The Union lost CJ Sapong less than 30 minutes into the match to a red card, but still managed to score twice while a man down and stun DC United to advance to the quarterfinals... Carlos Rivas scored for the fourth time in the tournament as Columbus was shutout 2-0, but more importantly, the Crew's Will Trapp returned after a 3-month absence following a concussion. Trapp had not played in a match since April 8th against Vancouver... Mike Magee scored his first two goals of 2015 as Chicago rallied from a 1-0 deficit and knocked the USL's last representative out of this year's tournament... Joe Willis picked up his second shutout in a row and 19 year-old Colombian Mauro Manotas supplied all of the offense as Houston knocked off the Rapids 1-0... The Red Bulls rocked another crosstown rival as they defeated the Cosmos 4-1, but lost right back Chris Duvall in the process to a broken leg. 18 year-old Anatole Abang (Cameroon) continued his hot streak as he added another goal in the win... Dom Dwyer scored FOUR times, Krisztián Németh scored twice, and Benny Feilhaber tallied three assists as Sporting KC destroyed FC Dallas 6-2. Dwyer needed less than a half to achieve his hat trick... The Portland Timbers couldn't solve Real Salt Lake and despite knocking out their nemesis, the Seattle Sounders, they will not advance to the quarterfinals... Jose Villarreal scored early and the Wondo-less (read punchless) Quakes had no answer as they came up short against their intrastate rivals.
Now, onto league play: Alex came off the bench to score against the team that traded him, but Houston couldn't hold a late lead against Chicago. Patrick Nyarko entered the match at halftime for Chicago making his 2015 debut and scored the equalizer... DC United's Fabián Espíndola was sent off in the opening 30 minutes and the Sounders eventually took advantage behind Tyrone Mears' first MLS goal... Normally on the distributing end, Ethan Finlay scored twice in Columbus's 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Red Bulls. Kei Kamara assisted on both goals while youngster Anatole Abang continued his hot streak by adding another goal for New York. Will Trapp appeared in his first MLS match since April when he came off the bench in the 88th minute... David Villa scored twice as New York City FC knocked off Montreal 2-1. The Spaniard has 5 goals in his last four matches including a pair of braces... New England's struggles continue as they got buried 3-0 by FC Dallas. New England has lost four straight and won just once since May 2nd... Irish international Kevin Doyle opened his MLS account with a game winner against Vancouver. It was just Colorado's third win of the season and their first since May 23rd, ironically also against the Whitecaps... Kaká scored and then earned his first red card EVER as Orlando City was forced to settle for a draw with Real Salt Lake... Robbie Keane scored three times and the Galaxy routed Toronto 4-0 in Stefan Ishizaki's last game as a member of the Galaxy before he heads back to Sweden. Toronto played without Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore who are both with the U.S. for the Gold Cup... Jack Jewsbury scored in stoppage time as the Timbers snuck by the Earthquakes 1-0. Portland has won six of seven and is 5-0-0 in games started by Will Johnson.
Monday, June 29, 2015
MLS SuperDraft Rookie Watch, Week 17
Busy week for the rookies as Joseph Greenspan (Colorado), Andy Craven (Seattle) and Boyd Okwuonu (Real Salt Lake) all made their MLS debuts. In other action Cyle Larin scored goal number six, Manolo Sanchez ripped off five shots in just nine minutes of action for the Red Bulls and Fatai Alashe turned in a strong 90-minute shift in San Jose's big win over the LA Galaxy. Here's a rundown of all the action:
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Colorado, 69 mins, 3 shots, 1 goal
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs LA, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Colorado, 12 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs New England, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Appeared as sub vs Portland, 21 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Chicago, 90 mins, 1 shot
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Appeared as sub vs Toronto, 32 mins, yellow card
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Colorado, 1 min
26 - Joseph Greenspan - Colorado - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
26 - Joseph Greenspan - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, yellow card
27 - Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake - Appeared as sub vs Columbus, 10 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Started vs FC Dallas, 29 mins, 1 shot
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins
48 - Andy Craven - Seattle - Appeared as sub vs Portland, 30 mins
79 - Manolo Sanchez - New York Red Bulls - Appeared as sub vs Real Salt Lake, 3 mins, 3 shots
79 - Manolo Sanchez - New York Red Bulls - Appeared as sub vs NYCFC, 6 mins, 2 shots
1 - Cyle Larin - Orlando City - Started vs Colorado, 69 mins, 3 shots, 1 goal
4 - Fatai Alashe - San Jose - Started vs LA, 90 mins
12 - Saad Abdul-Salaam - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Colorado, 12 mins
13 - Tim Parker - Vancouver - Started vs New England, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins
16 - Cristian Roldan - Seattle - Appeared as sub vs Portland, 21 mins
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Started vs Chicago, 90 mins, 1 shot
17 - Miguel Aguilar - DC United - Appeared as sub vs Toronto, 32 mins, yellow card
20 - Amadou Dia - Sporting KC - Appeared as sub vs Colorado, 1 min
26 - Joseph Greenspan - Colorado - Started vs Orlando City, 90 mins
26 - Joseph Greenspan - Colorado - Started vs Sporting KC, 90 mins, yellow card
27 - Boyd Okwuonu - Real Salt Lake - Appeared as sub vs Columbus, 10 mins
36 - Rob Lovejoy - Houston - Started vs FC Dallas, 29 mins, 1 shot
40 - Oniel Fisher - Seattle - Started vs Philadelphia, 90 mins
48 - Andy Craven - Seattle - Appeared as sub vs Portland, 30 mins
79 - Manolo Sanchez - New York Red Bulls - Appeared as sub vs Real Salt Lake, 3 mins, 3 shots
79 - Manolo Sanchez - New York Red Bulls - Appeared as sub vs NYCFC, 6 mins, 2 shots
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