Colorado Rapids Vs Minnesota United: 3 things we learned – Minnesota takes second

Minnesota United, Colorado Rapids, Ethan Finlay (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Minnesota United, Colorado Rapids, Ethan Finlay (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 22: Jonathan Lewis #7 of Colorado Rapids challenges Romain Metanire #19 of Minnesota United during a match as part of MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 22, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
REUNION, FLORIDA – JULY 22: Jonathan Lewis #7 of Colorado Rapids challenges Romain Metanire #19 of Minnesota United during a match as part of MLS Is Back Tournament at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on July 22, 2020 in Reunion, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Jonathan Lewis makes case for starting spot

Jonathan Lewis scored the goal of the night, a sweet left-footed half volley that secured the first points of the tournament for the Colorado Rapids.

More from MLS Multiplex

Already this season, Lewis has scored three goals as a substitute. Per Opta, the last player to score more than three goals as a substitute in a single season was Jeff Cunningham with five in 2005. Lewis has proven that he can be productive from a wide position when given the chance, and with competition aplenty in the attacking positions for the Rapids, he is now pushing for a starting role.

Kei Kamara started up front and took his goal nicely but didn’t do much afterwards. At times he dropped back to pick up the ball instead of being the target forward ready to pounce on the break. Younes Namli is the big-money DP and will almost always start, but Lewis will now push Diego Rubio and Nicolas Benezet hard for a starting role.

Robin Fraser, of course, will be pleased to see his two forwards make notable contributions in his sides’ best showing this tournament. But he now has competition for places and some difficult decisions to make.