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Colorado Rapids: William Yarbrough’s Injury and the Challenges for the Playoffs

By Arthur Fernandes

ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 1: William Yarbrough #22 of Colorado Rapids during a game between Colorado Rapids and St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK on July 1, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Bill Barrett isi photos /Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO - JULY 1: William Yarbrough #22 of Colorado Rapids during a game between Colorado Rapids and St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK on July 1, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Bill Barrett isi photos /Getty Images) /
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The injury to starting goalkeeper William Yarbrough represents a significant setback for the Colorado Rapids in their quest for a turnaround in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Western Conference. With an estimated absence of 6 to 8 weeks due to a right meniscus tear, the Rapids face an even greater challenge in their already tough 2023 season.

While Colorado’s current position on the table is modest, it’s important to emphasize the significance of William Yarbrough to the team. The 34-year-old veteran goalkeeper has been a reliable presence in goal, and despite the team’s inconsistent results, he maintained consistent performance, recording seven losses in 20 games as a starter. His experience and leadership have undoubtedly been valuable for the Rapids.

ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 1: William Yarbrough #22 of Colorado Rapids passes the ball during a game between Colorado Rapids and St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK on July 1, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Bill Barrett isi photos /Getty Images)
ST. LOUIS, MO – JULY 1: William Yarbrough #22 of Colorado Rapids passes the ball during a game between Colorado Rapids and St. Louis City SC at CITYPARK on July 1, 2023 in St. Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Bill Barrett isi photos /Getty Images) /

Now, the team will have to rely on Marko Ilić to step in for Yarbrough between the posts. Although Ilić has been a permanent addition to the squad, his task won’t be easy. Replacing an experienced and dependable player like Yarbrough at a crucial point in the season is a massive responsibility. Colorado’s success will largely depend on Ilić’s ability to quickly adapt to the pressure and maintain the team’s performance at the required level.

Yarbrough’s injury also exposes the deficiencies of the Colorado Rapids in the current season. The team is currently 12 points behind the playoff qualification zone, with only 11 games remaining. While postseason ambitions were already in jeopardy, the absence of their starting goalkeeper makes the task even more challenging.

The upcoming showdown with the LAFC, the current MLS champions, is a crucial test for the Rapids. The defense, now led by Ilić, will need to be at its best to face a strong team like LAFC. This situation highlights the importance of squad depth in such a competitive league as the MLS. Clubs that cannot rely on key players throughout the season are at a disadvantage.

Overall, William Yarbrough’s injury is a significant setback for the Colorado Rapids, not only in terms of immediate performance but also in their playoff aspirations. The team faces an uphill battle to overcome this adversity and keep alive the hope of a surprising turnaround. The Rapids’ future in the 2023 season now depends on how they handle this challenging situation.

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