Our 'Caps lost a very tough road match against Colorado Rapids on Saturday. They were punished for some missed chances and fell 2-0.
So what did we learn?
You must take your chances
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<b>Irwin's big save denies 'Caps scoring chance</b> |
When the Rapids scored their first goal, it came at a time when the ‘Caps were having their best spell of the match.
After a slow start, Martin Rennie’s team started to boss the game and created two good scoring opportunities. However, they could not make the final pass and that proved costly.
Instead, Colorado took advantage by scoring a soft goal – from the ‘Caps point of view – which gave them a stranglehold on the game. Sanchez had far too much space to cross, and Brown was unmarked on the finish.
This was a game our boys could have won, so they will certainly be disappointed. Colorado goalkeeper Clint Irwin had a big game for them in net, but we created good scoring chances that are hard to come by on the road and they need to be finished.
Today was a day we did not take our chances and got punished for it, but the players can take solace in the fact that they’ve created quality opportunities on the road, and another day that could have meant a big win.
Mattocks is back
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<b>Mattocks breaks through, Irwin makes another big stop</b> |
This has been a tough second season for Darren Mattocks, as the goals have not flowed like last year and he has been frustrated with niggling injuries.
On Saturday, Darren had his swagger back. He looked like the confident young player we saw all of last year. When you are not full of confidence you over-think instead of reacting. This actually makes you react slower, and that is what I have seen at times from Darren this season – thinking too much.
Coming off the bench in Colorado, Mattocks caused the Rapids defence fits. He burst through every chance he had to break behind, making him a very difficult player to deal with.
Darren looked quick, strong, and full of confidence.
Camilo and Kenny have carried the load for scoring goals most of the season, but it will be huge to get Darren back to his best, which he looked like in his substitute appearance on Saturday.
Rollercoaster ride
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<b>Rennie discusses Colorado match</b> |
Eight teams are within eight points in the tight Western Conference, and at this point it looks like the playoff race could come down to the final day of the season.
Before this game, a win would have kept our boys in second place with a game in hand, and a chance to go top. But with a loss we are now in fifth place with the Sounders two points behind with two games in hand.
There are going to be many swings and roundabouts from now until the end of the season, which really does make every game like a playoff game – huge amounts of excitement, tension, drama, and glory await. A win for anyone will quickly rocket them up the table, while a loss will dent their chances of making the postseason.
Saturday’s loss was a blow, but a win versus LA Galaxy at home next weekend will see our rollercoaster ride on the up.
