What a way to start the 2020 season.
The Rapids grabbed three points from D.C. United thanks to second-half goals from Kei Kamara and Jonathan Lewisto complete a leap-day comeback.
Winning on the road to start the season is no small feat, as today's 2-1 victory marking only the fourth time in club history that the Rapids opened a campaign with a win on the road.
Here are three takeaways from the opening match.
1. Offensive Depth
The Rapids are going to have trouble picking their starting lineup this season, and that depth already proved advantageous. Starting at forward, Kamara showed off his offensive fortitude throughout the match, winning balls out of the air, linking play in transition and causing problems with his runs into space. On the first goal, Kamara did what he does best by providing a towering presence in the box to head home an outside-of-the-boot floating ball from Jack Price.
Younes Namli added his promised creativity even against a D.C. side that made it a point to play physical. It will take some time for the Dane to adapt to the style of play and referees in MLS, but he showed plenty of ingenuity that should continue to develop along with his chemistry with his new teammates.
Head coach Robin Fraser went three-for-three with attack-minded subs in the second half, making it clear how deep this team is on the offensive end (more on that in a minute). Lewis was the last of the subs, appearing for a mere seven minutes, but he was able to earn the Rapids the win. If Fraser continues to use Lewis in a super-sub role, he'll continue to wreak all kinds of problems for defenses in the final minutes and it wouldn't be surprising to see him score more late goals.
Nicolas Benezet was absent from the lineup today as he recovers from a nose injury sustained in preseason, but that will only increase the team's offensive promise on the wing. Despite taking longer than the team would like to get onto the scoreboard today, the sheer depth of this team is exciting.
2. Defensive Chemistry
The Rapids donned a new but familiar face on the backline on Saturday. Drew Moor played in the center alongside Lalas Abubukar, and the two showed organization and chemistry against a dangerous D.C. attack. The one goal allowed by Colorado was not in the run of play; D.C.’s Russell Canouse was able to find the back of the net from a corner kick.
Moor provided a stabilizing force in the backline. His veteran presence, which is a huge piece to a team that is one of the youngest in the league, was evident today. Moor proved vocal and reliable for the Rapids in their first match, which was just what the young side required.
When the back four of Sam Vines, Moor, Abubakar and Keegan Rosenberryneeded some help, it wasClint Irwin who made several big stops on the day, including one from close range on Felipe Martins.
Rosenberry was once again a reliable steady presence on the right side. The defender broke 10,000 total MLS minutes with another 90-minute performance today for Colorado, his 35th straight game playing a full 90.
3. Resilience
D.C. took the lead in the 60th minute, and, four minutes later, Fraser subbed off Namli in exchange for fresh legs in the center of midfield with Nicolas Mezquida. Three minutes after that, Kamara netted the equalizer. Fraser then continued to put his foot on the gas, making a pair of offensive subs, bringing on Diego Rubio and Lewis for Andre Shinyashiki and Sam Nicholson, respectively.
These moves made it clear to his side that Fraser was not looking to settle with a tie, and that confidence was rewarded. The comeback nature of a win like this on the road is the type of victory that can build real belief within a team. And with belief, momentum and talent, anything is possible.
The Rapids next match is March 7 when Colorado hosts Orlando City S.C. at 7 PM. For more information about tickets, click here.
