Written By: Riccardo Cominelli
The Colorado Rapids traveled to Columbus, Ohio on Wednesday looking to bounce back from their recent losing streak and showcase their strength on the road. Despite the solid first half, the Crew was too much for the Rapids in the second half and they lost 3-2. For a handful of Rapids players, this is another full ninety-minute match in a couple of days, since the Rapids are plagued with injuries, it has been hard for head coach Robin Fraser to rotate and put out a strong lineup.
After the defeat to Columbus, the Rapids sit in 14th place (last) in the Western Conference of MLS.
Starting XI
The Colorado Rapids lined up in a 3-5-2 formation that gives the formation three solid center backs, wingbacks that join the attack and drop back to defend, and two pacey forwards up top to counter during the transition. A change in goal saw Marko Ilic start over William Yarbrough. No injury to Yarbrough, just a plain coaching decision.
This marked Ilic’s first start in an MLS match this season. The back three of Danny Wilson, Andras Maxso, and Lalas Abubakar once more took the field. Moise Bombito and Keegan Rosenberry both started as the wingbacks in the five midfield formation, with Bombito coming off a hot form as he’s been playing really well lately. Bryan Acosta is back after serving a yellow card suspension and he paired up with Connor Ronan and Danny Leyva to run the midfield. Both Sam Nicholson and Jonathan Lewis played the up top. Nicholson coming back after serving a yellow card accumulation suspension like Acosta.
Substitutions
- 59’ – Jonathan Lewis came off for Calvin Harris
- 60’ – Connor Ronan came off for Cole Bassett
- 79’ – Moise Bombito and Danny Leyva came off for two Rapids 2 players who have been called up, Marlon Vargas and Remi Cabral
- 84’ – Keegan Rosenberry came off for Steven Beitashour
Game Notes
The Colorado Rapids got on the board first through Sam Nicholson in the 9th minute. Nicholson won the ball in the attacking third and drove to goal, slotting his chance away. A hot start for the Rapids, looking good away. Columbus was able to respond and get a goal through Lucas Zelarayan in the 37th minute. In the second half, things turned a little sour for the Rapids, with the Crew holding most of possession they were able to find the back of the net two more times.
In the 62nd minute, Sean Zawadzki shot past Ilic, assisted by Zelarayan. In the 72nd minute, the Crew extended their lead through Juan Hernandez who had a sixth sense of where the goal was. In the 95th minute, Calvin Harris assisted Cole Bassett who put up a beautiful shot in the top bins to get one back for the Rapids.
As Bassett is making his way back from injury, a key player to this side that was dearly missed.
Up Ahead
The Rapids head back to DICK’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, June 3rd to host the San Jose Earthquakes. The Earthquakes and the Rapids have faced off already once this season, in San Jose, with the Earthquakes coming out victorious 1-0. The Rapids will look to get their first MLS win at home, and this is a great opportunity against a team that struggles on the road. See you at DSGP Saturday!
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