For the second game in a row, the Colorado Rapids were dominant in almost every department save the most crucial one, the scoreline.
A week earlier, in the 1-0 defeat at home to Real Salt Lake, the Rapids enjoyed 22 shots (not necessarily on target), yet failed to find a goal. On Saturday, the Rapids sprayed 24 shots toward the FC Dallas goal, but emerged with a consolation penalty kick for their efforts and a third successive defeat.
So, 46 shots in two games, producing just one goal is not a great return. That screams-out the need for greater quality in front of goal. It doesn’t help that, for the fourth time in six outings, the Rapids conceded early and were left chasing the game. On top of that, FC Dallas cleared two goal-bound efforts off the line, but there were other opportunities.
Having acknowledged the need for a stronger start in the days leading up to the contest at Toyota Stadium, it will have come as a huge body blow to find themselves two adrift within the opening 11 minutes.
And it was the manner of the goals which were particularly disappointing. Ball watching, not closing down the space and failing to track the target men could be offered as reasons for the first and third goals against FC Dallas. The second goal was a rush of blood, and – whether contact was made with the ball or not – it was an occasion when you force the referee into making a decision one way or another.
After less than 15 minutes, the Rapids’ hopes of containing the opposition early on, and staying strong defensively had evaporated in the Frisco heat. And, though they began the second half strongly and appeared the more likely to score, another seemingly simple ball in was not dealt with properly and the home team were able to deliver the killer goal.
What concerned me, also, was the ease with which the three goals were given up. If we’re honest, FC Dallas weren’t made to work too hard for any of them.
Goal 1: ball in, two FC Dallas defenders still up from an earlier corner not tracked, and Matt Hedges left with an easy tap-in.
Goal 2: rash challenge. Penalty. Seventh goal of the season for Michel.
Goal 3: hopeful diagonal ball from Michel not dealt with, leaving an unmarked Fabian Castillo space to slide the ball past Clint Irwin.
Bang! Bang! Bang! How easy was that?
And it’s all well and good appearing the more dominant side when you’ve gone behind. For FC Dallas, when 2-0 up inside 11 minutes, much of their work was done. They could get bodies behind the ball and frustrate the Rapids, knowing the visitors’ needs were greater than their own. With the play compressed, it afforded little room behind the defense for Deshorn Brown to truly utilize his speed up top.
If we were to carve up a soccer field into thirds, then I’d suggest the defensive and offensive third were the main areas of concern in this current run. The Rapids are able to keep possession and create openings, but one goal in three games is not good enough, particularly when the side is conceding far too frequently at the other end.
The loss at FC Dallas, coupled with results elsewhere, means that the Rapids are now outside of the playoff places, sitting sixth. They are ahead of Portland (7th) on goal difference only. Vancouver, in fifth, are two points better off with a game in hand. LA Galaxy are four points clear with three games in hand.
There are now 11 games remaining in the regular season, starting with a trip to DC United this coming Sunday, which will be the last meeting with an Eastern Conference side. And we are getting very near the point where a draw on the road may not be good enough. Up to now, the mantra has been ‘win the home games and pick up a point on your travels’. The delicate nature of the scenario may mean going to LA, Seattle, Real Salt Lake or Vancouver and picking up all three points, out of necessity. And that changes the mindset of the opponent, who will look to exploit the team’s situation.
The standings, the points tally, the struggle in front of goal, the three consecutive defeats and the tough run-in are not lost on anybody. It’s at times like this when everybody’s hurting – the players, the coaching staff, the front office and the fans. And it’s at times like this when the need to believe is even greater.
Effort from the players is not the issue, rather quality in key areas at key moments. Remember, this is a side that has twice beaten Vancouver, has conquered the Galaxy and felled the Timbers. They’ll have to repeat those feats in the coming weeks, but as Sir Alex Ferguson once said when talking about the 2003 Premier League title race: “It's getting tickly now – squeaky-bum time.”
