Fotis Bazakos (his name anagrams to "Bazooka Fists") is frequently card-happy and always maddeningly inconsistent. Like Baldomero Toledo, he calls matches differently in the second half than the first and vascillates between decapitation-is-just-a-tactical-foul and a slight-jersey-tug-is-TEOTWAWKI. Until the match unfolds, it is impossible to predict whether he came to play cards or came to play soccer. Add that to a patchwork lineup and a struggling opponent, and this could be anywhere from a chippy 4-3 match finishing 10-on-9 to another mellow nil-nil. All of that creates unnecessary headaches for coaches and players. Consistency matters. Don't expect that from him.
Of course getting three points is what matters the most, but at the same time I'll be looking to see if the Rapids can continue the tactical philosophy they've developed in the last two matches. Everyone defends, the midfield bosses the opposition and thus very few quality chances are created in the Rapids' defensive third. What I can't wrap my head around is having neither Powers nor Ramirez in the starting lineup. And if they are in the match together they must be in proximity so they can play off each other.
That does seem weird. There better be fitness concerns. Then again, last year. Ramirez was a pretty good spark and you figure they didn't pay DP money for him to be part-time. Powers had a terrific game out "wide" which was a big improvement over last year when he was in that position. Seems odd to sacrifice one of them for Badji.
Haha. Smart money is on this. But I see a turn-of-luck game for the Rapids today. 2-1 win for Rapids with goals by Torres and Powers. A good game to be had as the Rapids will be charging hard (and hopefully smart) from the first whistle while the Revs play hard back to keep from losing to a bottom-feeder team. Wish I could be there.
Rapids Kick Off show preempted by H.S. basketball, O.T. is sudden death so maybe not the actual game? Nada on Altitude alternate either ...
I have a lot of respect for organizers that write in sudden-death overtime rules for an overtime basketball game. Props to whoever you are!
They probably shouldn't have allowed red versus maroon on a sun/shade pitch. Shorts help a lot on the open areas but set pieces on the north end may be a problem. I know there is a difference in hue but I wouldn't referee in red with a maroon team.
Not too surprising. Watts played well last week and O'Neill might be tired from two international games last week plus travel. Unfortunately, none of my bids on flashseats were accepted, so I'm watching at home. Wish I was there. Go Rapids, we need to win!
Glad I'm not homeless and hungry waiting on the Rapids to win corners. On edit, as the Rapids win one (that should have been a 'better' free kick). And another one ... what should I say about goals? Apparently something more specific about by whom?
Great ball from Rowe, great finish from Agudelo, our clean sheet record up in smoke. 540 minutes without a goal for us...