Sounders at Rapids: Colorado’s undefeated streak continues

The Seattle Sounders continued on the highway in Colorado, a spot the place they hadn’t gained in fairly a while and … didn’t win. The ultimate was 1-0 on what was primarily an personal aim and was indicative of a messy match between two good groups enjoying poorly. Each groups had been lacking quite a lot of gamers, however Seattle appeared particularly misplaced with out Nicolás Lodeiro there to create alternatives, repeatedly unable to penetrate a compact Rapids protection. Sounders will rue their huge possibilities missed in addition to some suspect refereeing choices, each of which performed a component in finally leaving Colorado with none factors.

Stefan Frei – 6 | Group – 6.5 (MOTM)

Colorado didn’t do a lot on this match to create targets, which meant a really sluggish evening for Frei. Though the Rapids had 16 pictures, they solely put 4 on body (together with the own-ish aim “shot” and one other comparable try by Yeimar to attain on Seattle). Stefan noticed extra of the ball together with his toes than he would have preferred, ending with 50 touches.

One factor I preferred: Frei had a pleasant 41^st minute near-post save, and did nicely all evening to pressure Colorado into poor alternatives, solely being scored on after he saved a cross into the large physique of Yeimar.

One factor I didn’t like: Stefan obtained the ball usually on this match however didn’t cowl himself in glory, with poor clearances sprayed haphazardly across the discipline. Even worse was a nonchalant play on the ball with Michael Barrios charging in and blocking the late clear try.

Going ahead: Frei was a part of a “bend however simply break a bit of” protection on this match, and that wasn’t sufficient.

Nouhou – 6 | Group – 6.0

Nouhou performed his third straight match, this time as a wingback in a five-man backline. Whereas defensively sound, he struggled to influence the offense as a part of a uninteresting left facet bereft of many attacking concepts. His 90 p.c passing consisted of primarily brief passes sq. and again to teammates.

One factor I preferred: Nouhou defended nicely, main the group with six clearances. A superb restoration in midfield within the 41^st stopped a Colorado assault. Equally, stepping ahead within the 65^th stole again possession and pushed the Sounders ahead.

One factor I didn’t like: Early on it was obvious Nouhou was going to stray far up discipline, and within the 26^th minute Colorado was in a position to take benefit. On the goal-scoring sequence, once more Nouhou was too far up, enjoying an offensive function.

Going ahead: JP may need been the key sauce to make the three-back system work nicely, and whereas Colorado didn’t punish Seattle incessantly, Nouhou must work on methods to match into the varied tactical formations and add influence on either side of the ball.

Jackson Ragen – 7 | Group – 6.4

Ragen performed the left centerback in a revamped backline and match the function nicely for a lot of the match. His skill to manage the ball, go or dribble ahead to shut house and create for others was glorious.

One factor I preferred: Jackson has completely magical passing and imaginative and prescient for a centerback, and within the 9^th minute he put Jordan Morris via for an opportunity on aim with a stupendous look ahead.

One factor I didn’t like: This recreation appeared method too depending on Ragen and never the established stars. He had 22 extra touches than anybody else within the recreation (92) and when he misplaced a bodily problem within the 50^th minute, Colorado instantly scored.

Going ahead: Ragen has change into indispensable for a group that possible wasn’t anticipating this a lot from him. A spot starter and backup throughout your entire backline, search for Jackson to play so much this season.

Xavier Arreaga – 7 | Group – 6.2 (off 73’ for Medranda)

Arreaga dropped into the center of a 3 centerback lineup with Ragen to his left and Yeimar to his proper, and confirmed he’s glorious on this formation. His aggressive motion vertically supported the midfield, dragging inverted wingers again in the direction of their very own aim.

One factor I preferred: Xavi began off exhibiting his nice vary defensively within the 1^st and seven^th minutes, every time roaming behind the opposite middle backs to defend to the sidelines. Later within the first half he aggressively stepped into central midfield areas to earn possession and condense the Rapids’ house.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 62^nd minute, Barrios utterly shook Arreaga, making the Seattle defender look foolish as he was soundly crushed.

Going ahead: Seattle has the pliability within the again to alter formations, and Xavier is equally stout in both function. Because the group adapts to his aggressive model, the midfield ought to coalesce right into a extra cohesive unit.

Yeimar – 5 | Group – 5.4 (off 58’ for Chu)

This was a tough match from Yeimar, who was a bit off within the third match in per week’s time. Seattle appeared to have discovered Mark-Anthony Kaye, however sadly when he left, Jonathan Lewis’s velocity proved troublesome. Yeimar and Ragen each had some points coping with the rise in large velocity, with Yeimar exhibiting uncharacteristic troubles.

One factor I preferred: Yeimar and firm did nicely to cease Barrios from dominating as he has towards the Sounders previously (seven pictures, zero heading in the right direction for Barrios). With a implausible 94 p.c passing clip, Yeimar did his half to maintain the ball on the foot of the great guys.

One factor I didn’t like: There have been a number of atypical errors from the often reliable Yeimar, beginning together with his falling asleep and being crushed in behind within the 7^th minute. On the Colorado goal-scoring play, Yeimar tracked again to assist, however didn’t mark anybody and sadly redirected Frei’s save into the ready Lewis.

Going ahead: Nothing to see right here. On to the subsequent.

Kelyn Rowe – 6 | Group – 5.5 (off 73’ for Montero)

Rowe once more began at proper wingback and was very quiet on the night. He had 43 touches and 92 p.c passing, however was absent from a lot of the stat guide, simply content material to take house and never get beat for a lot of the match. He didn’t earn a recordable defensive motion or key go.

One factor I preferred: Kelyn obtained ahead within the 13^th minute, attacking the aim, and earned a harmful free kick.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 15^th minute Rowe made a pleasant flip (yay) earlier than not making the correct go and turning it over (boo). Following up factor with a turnover is going on too usually.

Going ahead: Kelyn Rowe stays extraordinarily priceless to the group for his versatility and has proven a excessive ground with a capability to slot in everywhere in the discipline. He possible performs each recreation he’s wholesome, with spot begins.

Jordan Morris – 5 | Group – 5.4 (off 80’ for Bruin)

Morris obtained one other begin and was principally ineffective for Seattle towards Colorado. He had 24 touches and earned a shot on aim in his 79-minute outing. Jordan appeared gassed enjoying at altitude, and by no means obtained an opportunity to actually run at a powerful, compact Rapids protection.

One factor I preferred: A vertical peel run within the 9^th minute displayed glorious familiarity with Ragen, and the 2 mixed to see Morris operating into the field unmarked with choices.

One factor I didn’t like: With solely 12 passes accomplished, Morris was absent a lot of the match. When he had an opportunity within the 53^rd minute to tie the match after a Colorado blunder, he wasn’t up-to-the-minute, chipping the keeper however with out sufficient tempo to beat a recovering defender to the open internet.

Going ahead: Morris remains to be creating huge possibilities, however wants to complete a number of extra for the Sounders to have hope of getting again into the Defend race. (Yeah, I stated it.)

Obed Vargas – 6 | Group – 5.9 (off 80’ for Atencio)

Vargas returned to pair within the center and had a pleasing match. Whereas there have been loads of notes each good and unhealthy, he continues to point out progress. Towards Colorado he had 49 touches and 89 p.c passing.

One factor I preferred: The highs are excessive. A 6^th minute attacking dribble central to seek out Raúl Ruidíaz was stunning, and a 60^th minute via ball for Morris confirmed his skill to be immediately aggressive transferring the ball ahead.

One factor I didn’t like: The lows weren’t punished, which is fortunate for Seattle. Obed misplaced a number of vertical runners into the field, and within the 28^th minute he utterly ignored a bottom runner who might have had an enormous likelihood.

Going ahead: This was a powerful efficiency from Vargas. With a bit extra maturation he could be the long-term reply at defensive midfield with Albert Rusnák, ought to the group go that path.

Albert Rusnák – 7 | Group – 6.2

Rusnák once more confirmed the type of composure you like from the middle of the pitch, repeatedly controlling the ball and distributing cleanly to teammates in good positions. He had two pictures to associate with six defensive recoveries.

One factor I preferred: one hundred pc. That’s Rusnák’s passing completion share. You would possibly assume he didn’t have many alternatives — assume once more. He had the second-most passes in your entire match, with 56 makes an attempt. His management and precision are unbelievable.

One factor I didn’t like: Tasked with a lot of the free kick responsibility, Albert by no means obtained the cling of the altitude, repeatedly overhitting set items and squandering possibilities. An tried shot late from exterior the field trickled harmlessly over the road for a aim kick.

Going ahead: This was a match that wanted Rusnák’s calm management to assist a midfield battle, and a direct attacking pressure to interrupt Colorado’s defensive blocks. We obtained midway there.

Cristian Roldan – 6 | Group – 5.6

Roldan was once more muted towards Colorado, unable to impose his will on the match, as he has so usually this season. Though at all times stuffed with effort, Cristian’s 63 touches had been largely secure and horizontal, missing the attacking verve we now have come to count on from his large play.

One factor I preferred: Within the 73^rd minute Cristian confirmed completely phenomenal protection, stopping an enormous likelihood from Colorado and exhibiting that defensive chunk we all know he possesses.

One factor I didn’t like: Though he had three pictures, Roldan appeared a bit of off, reminiscent of lacking Léo Chú on a via ball within the 72^nd and passing to nobody three minutes later.

Going ahead: Cristian is unlikely to be shut out of the scoresheet for for much longer.

Raúl Ruidíaz – 7 (MOTM) | Group – 6.1

Together with his group struggling and unable to create many possibilities, Raúl nonetheless managed to create two of the most important in your entire match, each out of sheer expertise and can. His 4 pictures led the match, and he added a key go to arrange a teammate.

One factor I preferred: Raúl earned a PK within the 66^th minute. He additionally beat three defenders to pressure an enormous cease within the 89^th minute, practically incomes stolen factors again on the evening.

One factor I didn’t like: Nobody missed Nico greater than Raúl, and for a lot of the match Ruidíaz roamed round, unable to seek out the ball anyplace however dealing with his personal aim.

Going ahead: Raúl continues to be a devastating striker who will rating if the group can simply discover him the alternatives.

Léo Chú – 5 | Group – 5.0 (on 58’ for Yeimar)

Yeimar got here out early within the second half for Chú, who ran on the protection quite a lot of occasions however was finally unable so as to add greater than hustle.

One factor I preferred: Chú introduced nice power and his motion created a nook kick alternative for Seattle mere moments after he entered.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 76^th minute Seattle’s complete left facet was ripped open as Chú didn’t play any semblance of protection.

Going ahead: Chú brings power however doesn’t seem like a seamless match with teammates. It’s odd he hasn’t been tried inverted a lot.

Fredy Montero – 4 | Group – 5.2 (on 73’ for Rowe)

Fredy got here in to present a special look to the Sounders late. He managed six touches.

One factor I preferred: A diagonal run via the center within the 73^rd minute was attention-grabbing, transferring the Colorado defensive form round in a brand new method.

One factor I didn’t like: His passing was tough, with Montero finishing solely 40 p.c of his makes an attempt. He didn’t seem like on the identical web page as anybody else.

Going ahead: Fredy has a number of worth at quite a lot of attacking positions, however he’s appeared off his previous few substitute appearances after a scorching begin.

Jimmy Medranda – 6 | Group – 5.1 (on 73’ for Arreaga)

Medranda entered and had one in all his finest matches this 12 months, exhibiting off an brisk presence throughout the sphere. In a mere 14 touches, he had 73 p.c passing however most significantly led the group with two key passes.

One factor I preferred: After discovering teammates for pictures on two events, within the 85^th he additionally earned a nook kick for his efforts.

One factor I didn’t like: Jimmy was utterly turned whereas defending within the 82^nd minute, showcasing some embarrassing footwork.

Going ahead: Medranda added some extra direct offensive manufacturing this match and continues to supply a special look on the left.

Josh Atencio – 5 | Group – 5.3 (on 80’ for Vargas)

Atencio arrived into the midfield and was a part of a late offensive flurry for Seattle because the match stretched with the Sounders urgent for an equalizer.

One factor I preferred: Fifteen touches, 85 p.c passing, and a few positional protection allowed Rusnák to push into the assault greater, creating a number of possibilities.

One factor I didn’t like: An 82^nd minute kick was straight out of bounds.

Going ahead: Atencio has appeared robust in every of his previous few appearances and makes a case to suit into the defensive midfield, which permits Seattle extra flexibility.

Will Bruin – 5 | Group – 4.6 (on 80’ for Morris)

Bruin got here in for a drained Morris and introduced a number of effort to the entrance as Seattle moved to a multiple-forward formation.

One factor I preferred: A superb dummy within the 94^th minute opened up the ball for a teammate.

One factor I didn’t like: Will’s try at an 84^th minute holdup was comical, with him shedding possession and falling over in a heap.

Going ahead: Will wasn’t in a position to influence so much on this match however at the least one flick gave Ruidíaz house to work and could also be an possibility value extra time sooner or later.

Tim Ford – 4 | Group – 2.8

Ford did a number of issues proper, after which he did all the pieces mistaken. The fouls had been even, the playing cards had been even, the match was even, however then this referee made some egregious calls, even assisted by a reliable VAR.

One factor I preferred: Calling a handball on Jonathan Lewis within the 77^th minute when he flopped and landed on the ball was glorious, and hilarious.

One factor I didn’t like: Within the 43^rd minute Lalas Abubakar two-hand grabbed Ruidíaz by the again of the neck on a break and Ford known as “benefit” and by no means gave a card. This was egregious, however nothing like being known as to the sideline to confirm a PK and ignoring the proper name with some ridiculously BS excuse like “he may need been exterior the field.” What large hubris should it’s a must to make such a crummy name?

Going ahead: Use the VAR. They’re there for a motive.

Jonathan Lewis was an early substitute for Mark-Anthony Kaye, who suffered a head damage. Whereas Kaye was being slightly simply corralled by Ragen, Lewis was a special story. His velocity appeared to unsettle each Ragen and Yeimar as he labored the channels. Finally, his game-winner was very a lot of a case of proper place, proper time, and he did nicely to be there.

Subsequent up: Huge dwelling stand arising and expectations needs to be excessive.