2-1 win, goals by Barrios and Bassett. Really the key in this game is not to give up an early goal, or really go behind at all. As long as Portland has to find a goal the game favors us. They're on short rest and at altitude. If they get ahead they're going to go into a shell and park the bus, something we've struggled to break this season. I think we get a first-half goal and then with Portland chasing in the second and getting tired we double the lead. They get one back to push us the full 90 but we win and wait to see if we host SKC or FSL for a spot in MLS Cup. http://view-from-the-couch.blogspot.com/2021/11/thanksgiving-futbol.html
Well, I’ll be watching from a relative’s home in Goleta, CA. It will be the first home match we’ve missed in years (not counting Covid). We were discussing the starting lineup and after Price, Acosta, Trusty and Yarbrough there wasn’t a lot of agreement. Too many choices. Sounds like everyone is healthy, but I’m not sure if Rosenberry can go the full 90. Will the long break between matches help or hurt the Rapids? Will they be able to be at playoff intensity from the get go?
Borrowing some stats I’ve already posted: That 2-0 game against Portland at home earlier this season? Blanco didn’t play. The 2-2 tie on the road? Blanco was the key to their come from behind tie. They will be on short rest and at altitude, sure. But they are on a hot streak right now. Since losing to us the Timbers are 4-0-0 with 10 goals for and 2 against. Granted, three of those games were in Portland, but momentum is momentum. And Blanco. Man is on FIRE right now. Acosta needs to engage in the “dark arts” of soccer against Blanco tomorrow. We need his night to be miserable. Tomorrows game is going to come down to who wanted it more. Talent, roster, depth…whatever. None of that will matter. The team that goes out and takes the game and makes it theirs will win. The Rapids are a well drilled, well oiled machine. But so is Portland. Everyone is gonna have to be focused, sharp, and ready to fight all 90min. We’re also gonna need 2+ goals tomorrow. But I think we hit at least three. Portland likes to attack with numbers, leaving them open to the counter. Minnesota couldn’t capitalize on that, but I think we do. Reynoso looked like a man who didn’t want to play for Minnesota, whereas I think Fraser is gonna have everyone playing their hearts out. He’s got plenty of “locker room” material to fire up the boys in burgundy tomorrow. It’s our house. It’s our day. Let’s show the league we deserve to be here. 4-2 for the good guys. Barrios and Rubio both score, and Trusty finds the back of the net off a corner. We’re probably gonna let in a silly goal against Portland’s press. And if Blanco wasn’t playing then I would say it’s only 3-1, but he scores another banger tomorrow too. But we’re also gonna be deadly on the counter just like we were against LAFC. It’s gonna be a ‘Pidsgiving miracle tomorrow!
𝘾𝙊𝙇𝙊𝙍𝘼𝘿𝙊 𝙑𝙎. 𝙀𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙔𝘽𝙊𝘿𝙔 Narrated by the one and only @TimHowardGK. pic.twitter.com/x4LcFcvxPL— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 25, 2021
#ICYMI: A deep dive into how and why #MLS went after a Thanksgiving Day game, why it's a big opportunity #Rapids96, and why from attendance to atmosphere it will be better than the haters expect: #MLSCupPlayoffs #COLvPOR https://t.co/yCFyy87iVZ pic.twitter.com/oUagL69Kr8— Matt Pollard (@LWOSMattPollard) November 24, 2021
Time for football.For the first time ever, there's an MLS playoff game on Thanksgiving 🍗 pic.twitter.com/2JxuAvVe3l— B/R Football (@brfootball) November 25, 2021
Colorado Rapids vs Portland Timbers Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (4:30PM ET) REF: Ted Unkel AR1: Frank Anderson AR2: Oscar Mitchell-Carvalho 4TH: Alex Chilowicz VAR: Alan Kelly AVAR: Jose Da Silva
Pass the gravy, it's GAMEDAY! 🦃⚽️#COLvPOR x @tipico pic.twitter.com/eCBXmB1kI6— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 25, 2021
We're thankful for you, #Rapids96 fans!Happy Thanksgiving 🦃❤️ pic.twitter.com/yvpyHBkOgm— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) November 25, 2021
Absolutely killing me not to be there. With a 7 week old, he’s not quite ready to endure that crowd! But family and friends are at our house with food and booze galore cheering on the ‘Pids! I want this to be a new Thanksgiving tradition…..
He also said Colorado hasn't proven anything this season... despite winning conference. He's an idiot.
Catching it from home - round 1 of food done.... Rapids 3-1. Badji, Acosta, Price up 3-0 at the half, Timbers get one back, but it's too little too late. And Alexi Lalas can sit on it.
On TV from CA the flag waving to start the match look great. And the pitch looks to be in good shape. Acosta is getting lots of space on the left and is giving the Timber’s fits. Rapids should be up at least a goal. Trusty had a clean header on an earlier corner that missed and Badji was close on a whipped cross from Acosta. Acosta seems to enjoy wing back. Abubakar is in Blanco’s head.
Watching from the in-laws in Iowa. All Pids in the first with our best attacking options still on the bench. Hoping the altitude takes its toll in the 2nd half just in time for Lewis/Barrios/Mezquida subs. Always get nervous when we dominate a half with nothing to show for it. Leaves the door open for the unexpected. That said, outside the score, happy with the way the first half played out and excited for the second half!
Ok, so not 3-0 at half - but we can still win 3-1. Glad to see Rapids being aggressive. And Lalas can still sit on it.