The Colorado Rapids opened up their season with a 1-0 victory at home over the New England Revolution. Here are three takeaways from the game.
Last Saturday, the Colorado Rapids began their season with a matchup against the New England Revolution. First a look back are the match highlights.
New England earned the first real chance of the game in the 16th minute when Kei Kamara chested a ball down and shot from a tough angle at 12 yards out. Zac MacMath was able to stick a hand out and parry the shot away.
A few minutes later, Kevin Doyle broke through the Revolution back line, but he was stopped by New England keeper Cody Cropper. The Rapids continued to push until they finally got a goal in the 52nd minute whenDominique Badji drew a foul in the corner. Doyle hit a header off the post from the ensuing free quick, and after a scramble Badji was able to tap the ball in with his head.
GOALLLLLLL! Badji gives the Rapids the lead in the 52nd minute as he heads home after a scramble in front of net! https://t.co/yErD0MavYK
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) March 5, 2017
After the goal, New England never really look dangerous. The closest they got to a “chance” was a long 30 yard shot that went safely into the arms of MacMath. In the end, the Rapids closed out a 1-0 win. The full highlights can be seen below
Good start to the season. Time to take that momentum into New York.#Rapids96#MLSisBack https://t.co/6kOnYXSbaP
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) March 5, 2017
Here are three big takeaways from the game:
1) The Rapids’ defense is just as good as last year/New England’s offense struggled
Many people came into this season wondering if the Rapids could possibly match the defensive form they had last year, when they only let up 32 goals. During their first game, they looked to have picked up exactly where they left off in 2016. Even if it isn’t a record breaking year again, look for the Rapids to be just as good on defense.
New England, on the other hand struggled offensively. Sure, the Rapids have a great defense, but New England didn’t produce any real offense. Even with four great attacking talents (Agudelo, Kamara, Fegundez, and Nguyen) the Revs struggled to really produce anything of value. After some off-season hype, they will all need to step their game up if they want to have a successful season.
2) Kevin Doyle shows up
Kevin Doyle has been with the Rapids for a few seasons now. In 49 appearances, Doyle has only scored 12 goals. With the money he is paid, there is much more expected of him. On Saturday, he looked ready to finally meet those expectations.
Doyle looked threatening for most the game, and he should have gotten a goal when his header hit off the post. If he can keep this play up, look for Doyle to live up to his expectations and make the Rapids that much more difficult to defeat.
Next: MLS Power Rankings: Week 1
3) Dillon Serna is back
Just eight months after tearing his ACL, Dillon Serna made a substitute appearance during Saturday’s game. If he is able to get back into the groove, the fan favorite could definitely prove to be a difference maker for the Rapids, especially with the struggles they have had on offense since his injury.