After winning just five matches last summer at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, the Colorado Rapids have shot out of the gate with a 6-0-1 home record with the only draw coming at the hands of the Philadelphia Union this past weekend.
At first place in the Western Conference with 28 points, the Rapids now get to enjoy a much deserved three-week MLS break before hosting Chicago on June 18. In that time however, head coach Pablo Mastroeni has a laundry list of adjustments for his club.
1. Learn to finish games
Mastroeni’s club is one point ahead of FC Dallas in the Supporters’ Shield standings, but the Rapids could have a more comfortable cushion if they had a better handle on recent games down the stretch – namely, this past Saturday.
Colorado took a 1-0 lead in the 87th minute, only to squander a chance for three points when the Union tied things up in the second minute of stoppage time in front of the net. Credit to the Rapids, they had their back line attentive – but not enough to secure a full three points.
The Rapids had a chance for an equalizer in the 56th minute of a 1-0 loss to the Earthquakes on March 6; they could’ve put away Montreal at Stade Saputo; and they couldn’t come back under pressure against rival Real Salt Lake.
Colorado started the season strong in this area, especially against the Galaxy in their 1-0 win in the home opener, but they’ve faltered a bit lately. If the Rapids want to make a run for the cup, they’ll need to play a full 90+ minutes.
2. Play cleaner
The Rapids are second in the league behind Vancouver with 211 fouls committed. Colorado committed four misconducts March 20 against DC United and were lucky to leave RFK Stadium with a 1-1 draw. Against Toronto and Kansas City, the combined foul tally was 39 for the Rapids, 10 for the opponent. It hasn’t happened yet this season, but if the Rapids aren’t careful, three points could be decided by a free kick that puts them away. Only on May 12 against Sporting Kansas City has Colorado’s opponent out-fouled them.
3. Keep your players
Jermaine Jones has had suspension issues (although not related to his time in Colorado as of yet). Marco Pappa, the club’s assist leader, is out 2-4 weeks with a sprained knee. Axel Sjoberg has been a breakout star for the Rapids this summer, but this cannot just be a one-man club. Once Tim Howard arrives, the target on Colorado’s back should exponentially grow – so these Rapids better learn to stay healthy and stay active.
All this said, Colorado is in good shape right now. But there’s always room for improvement for a team that want its first MLS Cup since 2010, even one that currently sits at the top of the table.
