The Rapids played the L.A. Galaxy tonight. The Rapids played at home after three consecutive MLS road games. We learned this week from the coach and players that the Rapids strategy on the road is to play compact, yield little and hope for the counter. We were told to expect the team to adopt a more offensive posture when at home.
I’m not sure where home is anymore as the team was outshot 7-2 in the first half and 14-7 for the game. Keep in mind, the opponent, dominating the rapids in that statistic, entering the game was tied with Columbus as the worst team in MLS. After the game, they remain tied as the worst team in MLS.
Not much more to say. After 6 games, the team has not shown any ability to maintain possession. Despite the coach’s “strategy”, they seem to prefer the long ball to the short one. They yield possession to the other team. After 6 games this year, which mirror much of what we saw last year. It’s painfully obvious (or should be) they are unable to play any other way (at least with any consistency).
Last year the mantra was fire the coach. The players were solid, they just needed a good coach to allow them to achieve their potential.
I said last year that was nonsense. I agreed that the coach should be fired, but not so much for his tactics, line up selections or substitution patterns (which I wasn’t thrilled with either) but he should be fired because, in my opinion, he wasn’t able to assemble enough quality players to compete.
The team has a new coach, mostly the same players. The results are pretty much the same as last year. The style of play is pretty much the same as last year. The mental breakdowns, the inability to maintain possession, the reliance of the long ball, bypassing the midfield. 2008 – 2009, nothing’s changed.
That Einstein quote echo’s so loudly in my head sometimes I think it’s going to explode.
I’ll close with my one any only comment about this game on the Rapids BigSoccer forum.
The drive home allowed me time to think and I realized I’ve been approaching this the wrong way. I need to set realistic expectations. Mine have been way to high and the result has been frustration.
Next week, I will consider the game a success if most of the team shows up at the stadium. Anything beyond that I will consider extraordinary and result in an explosive release of endorphins.
Those around me should consider protective gear.
