Opposition scouting report: Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids have been on a bit of a roller-coaster this season and currently sit seventh in the Western Conference table despite a -6 goal-difference. To help give us a better understanding of tonight’s opponent, we traded questions with Matt Pollard of Burgundy Wave.

We answered their questions, too

Notable injuries

No one particularly notable as Frederick (hip), Hansen (groin) and Alex Harris (ankle) are all bench guys.

What kind of form has the team been in?

It’s been up and down. Colorado got off the schneid a few weeks back against LA Galaxy. They then went to New England and were up 3-0 without Djordje Mihailović. They fumbled the bag to draw 3-3. The back line gave up two soft goals against Sporting on 4th of July to lose 2-1. We expected them to lose to LAFC even without a harsh 6th minute red card. Then they surprised fans with a 3-0 win against Vancouver.

When this team is clicking, they can complete with anyone in MLS. This is still a defense that can be very shaky. I had some concerns that they’re a little too dependent on Mihailović offensively but the wingers Ted Ku-DiPietro (KDP) and Calvin Harris have put that to rest.

Key players

Djordje Mihailović is the straw that stirs the drink. He does Nico Lodeiro-like for the Rapids attack at time. Build up play goes through him. If he’s clicking, the Rapids have a chance to create chances. If everyone else around him is also clicking, they can score three goals on anybody. We just haven’t seen that consistently enough this year.

After that, it was so good to see Zack Steffen back in goal. He’s had some injuries this season that saw Nico Hansen get a few starts, including that April 26 game against Seattle. Hansen’s done well but Steffen is brought a calm to the defense last Saturday. He communicated and organized the shape well. USMNT fans know he’s great playing out of the back. The Whitecaps only got two shots on goal so we’ll see if Seattle tests his Post Shot Expected Goals more in this game.

Lastly, I’ll mention Cole Bassett. It’s been a rough year for him. He’s had some injuries. Chris Armas hasn’t been able to play the same lineup or formation throughout this season. Bassett being so versatile means his role has kept changing. All this has made it hard to get in rhythm. He was much better on Saturday in the more familiar 4-2-3-1 in the double pivot. Started the passing sequences on the first two goals. We’ll see if that's the start of something for him.

One thing to know about the team

Josh Atencio is really happy here. His uncle went to DU and is still in the area, he has a brother in Colorado Springs. He’s settled off the field. He’s been a regular starter and done well. He’s a sweeping holding midfielder. Cleans things up. He’s still struggling a bit with the verticality and contributing offensively. But Colorado and Chris Little are happy to have him. He doesn’t have any hard feelings towards the Sounders for trading him but has told me “he wants to kick their butts.”