3rd Degree

July 18th, 2008 . By: Jason Benfield

COLORADO RAPIDS OVERVIEW

Although their record does not reflect it, the Rapids have begun to play some very good soccer. Through domination of the midfield, the Rapids have picked up results in the last two matches, and have looked pretty good in doing so. Colorado look like they are on the verge of making a run, and it will be interesting to see if they can carry that run of good form into Dallas.

After opening the season in a 4-5-1 and then switching to a 4-4-2, Clavijo has finally settled on a 3-5-2 as the system of choice. When Gomez is not available, they will move back to the 4-4-2; but when he is in the starting lineup, they play a very attack minded 3-5-2. The main theme of the team is work ethic. The Rapids are full of players who work extremely hard over the course of ninety minutes, and can be a very entertaining team to watch because of it.

Up top, the Rapids are finally getting healthy. McManus and Casey both started the season not quite fit, but are both rounding into shape. Both players can finish in the air and make quick decisions on the ball, but the most important similarity is that they work extremely hard. They defend well, chase every ball, and are generally pests to deal with. They make enterprising runs away from the ball and simply never allow the opposing defense to take a break. They may not have a ton of goals to their name thus far, but they are on the verge of opening up. They are a constant danger and are really starting to gel.

The midfield is the strength of the team. Colorado have strong passers in the middle and dynamic players on the wings. The Rapids have done a great job developing young players and have really created a lot of depth for themselves in the midfield. In the middle, they play with a holding mid, a true central midfield linking player, and an attacking midfielder. On the outside, the wingers play both ways but are required to be effective on the offensive end. The key to the midfield, as well as the team in general, is energy. They are very active going forward. Typically, Colorado will work the ball forward from wide positions. The opposite side midfielder as well as the attacking mid are often seen hustling to join the attack; Colorado will have four targets in the box several times over the course of a game. Defensively, the energy of the midfield is used to force the opponent into an up-and-down game, pushing the pace to a higher, more frenetic level. They do not allow the opposition the space and time to hold possession in the midfield.

Defensively, Colorado rely on speed and athleticism at the back. They are not very organized, and depend on the energy of the midfield to disrupt possession and not allow the other team to break them down. They can and will give up goals, but the hope is that the athletes on the backline and in between the pipes will help keep the scoreline down.

Overall, Colorado are a really fun team to watch. They constantly try to push the tempo of the game. This however, can be a downfall. Similar to a basketball team like the Suns, Colorado will consistently attempt to turn the ball over and launch into the attack. They sometimes force the break when it is not there and aren’t patient enough to set up in the half-court. Because of this, once the Rapids gain possession, they will try to work the ball to the wings; if that is not there, they will often lose possession by sending the ball straight over the top rather than calm down a bit and utilize the strong passing abilities of the central midfielders. The key to beating them is to maintain possession, frustrate them into pushing the pace too hard so that they lose the ball quickly, and then wait for their defense to make a mistake.

COLORADO ROSTER

Just a reminder of the rating system:

1 = Developmental player
2 = Solid bench player
3 = Below average starter in MLS
4 = Above average starter in MLS
5 = All-star caliber player in MLS
6 = Superstar

Mehdi Ballouchy - 3 - Ballouchy has started the last few games and has really shown well. He has been paired with Gomez in the middle in front of a defensive midfielder, although he sits a little deeper than Christian does. Ballouchy has shown flashes in the past that he can start and do well in the league, and now seems to have gained a bit more consistency. He can be very skilled and creative, and has shown a new level of work rate the past few matches. He has even worked hard defensively. He has been dangerous coming into the box from deep in the midfield.

Jose Burciaga Jr - 3 - How the mighty have fallen… once considered a prominent left back in the league and a future candidate for the US National Team, Burciaga’s defensive play has slipped over the last two years as he has failed to develop a compliment to his attacking abilities. Last season he was benched by KC, and now is riding the pine with Colorado. He does not fit into the current 3-5-2 scheme, and even when they go to a four back set, he has been displaced by the rookie Harvey. You have to wonder if he will be moved before the trade deadline. Has speed, is a solid crosser, great shot. But is a poor tackler and a poor marker. Clavijo has not wanted his defenders to venture forward much all season, and he is certainly not a good fit for that environment. You have to wonder if he would be a better fit with a certain team that wants to switch to a back four and is desperate for outside defenders who like to attack.

Preston Burpo - 3 - Experience in the A-league and with Chivas USA makes him one of the top backups in the league. Easily capable of starting. Good size, good positioning. Is not aggressive off of his line, which makes for a huge style contrast with the starting keeper. Did okay while Coundal was away with Senegal.

Conor Casey - 3 - Well, things have certainly changed since the last time FCD played Colorado. Early this season, he looked washed up and slow, and was very ineffective. Now he has claimed a starting spot and is starting to really round into form as the past few games have shown flashes of his once immense potential. He is not fully back, as his passing has been below average and his finishing isn’t quite there. But he is finally fit. He is all over the place, works extremely hard, and has regained a lot of his speed. For those that wonder why Cooper doesn’t get called up to the National Team more often, watch Casey play. Conner is just as active as Kenny, but always finds his way back to the box and makes himself available as a target. Although his passing is a bit rusty, he also makes extremely quick decisions on the ball; he doesn’t dither around, everything he does has a purpose to it, and he is very effective with combining with his partner at the top, whether that player has a similar mold like McManus or is a speedster like Cummings. If Casey continues this rate of improvement, he will pull himself back into US consideration during qualifying.

Colin Clark - 4 - Left midfielder started the season as a 3 but has improved his consistency and is now a very effective winger in the league. Still needs to be more consistent. Sometimes forces the cross when no opportunity is there, and looks past a 1 v 1 or through ball opportunity. Can improve decision making on the ball. Is at his best when playing with confidence and aggression - makes quick decisions and takes advantage of skill and athleticism under those conditions. As his confidence and consistency improve, he will develop into one of the best wingers in the league. He was absolutely brilliant against New York two weeks ago. Has great speed to go with quick feet and good ball control. In my opinion, his speed and pure flank ability give him more upside than Dempsey. As much press as Rogers has received for being an up and coming left winger, I believe that Clark is a better player because he is a little more athletic and shows more effectiveness defensively. Has played well enough that the team actually prefers to attack from his side than from the right through Cooke.

Nico Colaluca - 2 - Promising winger can play either side, but is buried on the bench. Will have problems breaking through this season with the depth of the team, but is a skilled player and one of the reasons the reserve team has been so successful over the last two years.

Terry Cooke - 4 - Right winger has played at an all star level at times over the last two seasons. Had a tough run of form early int he season, but won his place back and has been pretty good over the past few games. Has a nice shot, but doesn’t come inside enough to consistently be a threat. Possibly the best crosser in the league behind Beckham. Arrival of Gomez has taken him off of set pieces so has less of an impact. Penchant to stay wide and serve crosses makes him a one trick pony, so can be marked or schemed out of a game and be made less effective.

Buona Coundoul - 4 - Starting goalie has been outstanding this season. Last season was an athletic freak who got caught out of position and gave up some poor rebounds. This season, has made much better decisions, some key saves, and doesn’t give up as many rebounds. Decision making improvement has been a key. Has been much, much better this season on coming out on crosses. Is a key player in the defensive unit because the athletic backline does not mark very well and will allow one v one situations and breakaways, in which he excels. His presence at the back allows them to play a wide open, attacking style.

Omar Cummings - 3 - After serving as a late game forward sub last season, Cummings was the first choice striker at the start of the season and made his mark. His finishing rate was poor though, and it finally caught up to him and he has now been relegated to coming off the bench. First touch has dramatically improved. One of the fastest players in the league; would give Oduro a run for his money. Seems to be improving with experience. Doesn’t create his own chance off the dribble. Is now essentially in an Oduro type of role - late game sub who brings speed - but is probably more effective at it.

John DiRaimondo - 3 - Started several games at the start of the season as a defensive midfielder. Doesn’t do anything special, but plays the role quite well by cleaning things up in the middle and making the smart, easy pass out of danger. Another strong young player developed by the Rapids. Capable of starting and performing at an adequate level for the Rapids, even though he seems to have lost out on the second defensive midfield slot to LaBrocca.

Facundo Erpen - 4 - Looked like a future league star when he broke through with DC United at center back. Lack of speed caught up with him last season and was traded to Colorado. Now playing left back in the back three, but also plays in the middle in a 4 back set. Very strong in the air, good passer out of the back, and a threat to shoot from distance. Very dangerous target on set pieces. Still improving because he is young. Can lose focus and not mark tightly. Can be exposed athletically in 1v1 situations. Has played better than last season.

Christian Gomez - 4 - Former all star and league MVP with DC struggled at the start of the season, but was really finding his groove before he picked up a knock a few games ago. Was played out of position to start the season as a regressed forward. Struggled with the altitude in the 4-4-2. Now is employed at the top of the central triangle of the 3-5-2, and this is a perfect fit for him. Colorado has a tendency to bypass the central midfield at times, but is very effective when on the ball and should see it more as his fitness increases. Right now is about 60 minutes fit; has not played a full game in a while. Nice, creative passer, wonderful on free kicks, and can provide spectacular finishes from distance. Has not quite played up to an all star level this season, but will be there before the season is out, and with a strong team finish will once again by an MVP candidate by the end. As a reminder to some :), this rating is reflective of his play so far this season, not what his potential is.

Herculez Gomez - 3 - After a promising season a few years back and strong start to his Colorado career, has regressed. Great speed, and has a nice shoot. Does not finish easier chances well, and can be marked out of a game easily. Does not make the most intelligent runs as a forward, so can be marked out of a game pretty easily. Not sure if his best position is at forward or right midfield, but right now is working as a backup to Clark.

Jordan Harvey - 3 - Left back was pushing for a starting spot in the back four all through preseason, and took over for Burciaga a couple of games into the season. Has been pushed back to the bench after the move to the 3-5-2. Played in the reserves for a couple of seasons, and before that was a fixture on all of the US youth teams. I was never impressed with his play as an international, he looked a little slow and lacking athletically, but is viewed as the left back of the future for the Rapids.

Ugo Ihemelu - 4 - Central defender broke through a couple of years ago with LA, and then was traded to Colorado. Has suffered injury problems the past two seasons which has hampered development. Nice tackler, very athletic with great speed. Started the season on the bench because of injury, then was not quite right his first few games back on the field. Now has settled in nicely. Is an important element at right back on the three man backline because he has the speed to cover for the mistakes of others and the overaggressive tendencies of Pablo. Has really improved over the last few games and is now playing like one of the better right backs in the league.

Stephen Keel - 3 - Central defender was a stud with the reserve team the past couple of seasons and played well while filling in due to injury at the start of the year. Too slow to play in a back three, but strong in the air and reads the game well for a young player; very useful in a back four. Passes the ball well out of the back.

Kosuke Kimura - 3 - Right back excelled last season with the reserves, and was a starter at the end of the season for the first team. Was the first choice starter at right back earlier this season. Decent speed, okay tackler. Can be beaten for pace and athletically, Very nice ball skill and very comfortable on the ball; not afraid to switch the field from the outside back spot, which is rare in MLS. Another young Rapids defender who is a solid starter now with great upside. Has improved significantly since a shaky opener against LA.

Nick LaBrocca - 3 - Breakthrough player has been a key for the Rapids this season. At first, played when Pablo was injured at the start of the season, but quickly worked his way past DiRimando as the first choice among the two, and then has allowed Pablo to be pushed back to central defense where he is less injury prone. Shows great composure on the ball and distributes the ball forward and out wide quite well. Has hit some nice, long through balls, but does not panic and resort to hitting balls over the top. Cleans play up in the middle well. Has the potential to develop into a very strong player. Is quickly moving into one of the better defensive midfielders in the league. When the ball is played through him from the back, he drives a short possession game and allows the central midfielders to be more effective.

Pablo Mastroeni - 5 - When healthy, plays at an all-star level at defensive midfield or central back. Has been pushed to central defense because of the development of the youth in the midfield as well as in an effort to keep him healthy. Great energy, very strong tackler. A little lacking going forward, and can be pressed into poor passes at the international level, which means he is probably a better fit as a central defender, although his performance in the air could use some improvement. First choice US defensive mid when healthy. Gritty and shows up in the right place at the right time. Good athleticism. Has allowed the defense to improve in the back three with his injection.

Tom McManus - 3 - Forward is a veteran of the SPL. Was not quite fit at the start of the season, but is really starting to hit a grove. Okay speed. Smart off the ball with a great work rate. Works very hard defensively and moves all over the place away from the ball. Is an instinctive forward who looks to shoot the moment he touches the ball. Has the physical tools it takes to mix it up in the box on crosses. Has probably the hardest shot in the league and is a threat to score anywhere inside of 35 yards.

Jacob Peterson - 3 - Right midfielder was first choice for a while earlier in the season, but moved back to the bench after a couple of poor showings. Came up through the US youth system as a forward, but could not get a spot at the club level and seems to have found his position at right midfield. Not a lot of technical skill on the ball, but has a good strike and is a tireless worker.

Mike Petke - 3 - MLS veteran can play central defense or right back. Has lost a step and hasn’t been as effective as he was earlier in his career. Suffered a bad ankle injury and has not recovered enough to see the field this season. Might be able to play right back in a 3 back set, but not sure if the speed or athleticism are there to do so. Is finally game ready, but not sure where he fits into the team.

Tim Ward - 2 - Once promising career has been completely derailed after a move from New York and then Columbus. Has a nice cross and can play either side on defense. Clavijo wants his defenders to stay back, and Ward’s best asset is going forward, so may be hard for him to break through in Colorado. Another player who might be a better fit for a team that wants to move to a back four and wants the outside backs to attack.

I have not seen Graczyk, Grazier, Hughes, O’Brien, Sharpe or Zambrano play; they are all developmental players and should not factor in Sunday’s match.

EXPECTED COLORADO LINEUP

EXPECTED DALLAS LINEUP

KEY TO THE GAME

The most important part of this game is the midfield. The Dallas midfield has been lethargic in the KC game, the last couple of Open Cup matches, and the Chivas game. Toja is still not fit and not showing the same energy level from last season, and Ricchetti is constantly out of position. There is no energy at all.

Colorado, on the other hand, buzz around all over the field. They are extremely active, do not allow the opposition to hold possession, and pressure the ball at every opportunity.

These teams have been polar opposites in the midfield over the last few weeks. And if that doesn’t change, Dallas will get run off the field.

PREDICTION

This is a tough game to predict. Dallas were absolutely horrid in the last Open Cup match, and played very poorly against KC as well. However, did that last minute goal infuse energy into the team? Buzz has commented on the intensity of training this week; is that a sign that the team is going to step it up a notch?

As much as I want to believe that, I am going to have to see it on the field first. Kansas City were playing awful soccer when they came into town, and they still outplayed FCD on the fourth. Colorado, on the other hand, are really playing well right now. And I think I have to go with the team on a better run of form.

FCD 1 - Colorado 2

Categories: Match Preview .

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