3 Lessons from Colorado
- by Mack Lloyd
- June 9th, 2011
- Featured, MLS, Opinion
- Comments
The recent match at altitude provided a good test for the Union, who are a third of the way through a season spent mostly atop the Eastern Conference. A few points of note:
1) Results Against Quality Teams
Although they were maybe a little less than full strength without Omar Cummings up top, the Rapids are still essentially the same team that hoisted the MLS Cup last year. Are they the best team this year (or last year)? Probably not.
But they are a solid, quality team, and I doubt anybody would take away what they’ve accomplished. Knocking off FC Dallas was an upset, and a testament to their poise (or adaptability to the cold). They look ready for another playoff run this year as well, particularly if Casey and Cummings get back on track.
Either way, the fact that the Union really controlled a chunk of the midfield play late into the game is a proof of how far they’ve come. Despite a crappy call that handed Colorado a penalty, I’d say the Union deserved the game. Getting a point on the road, though, is good no matter what.
Away from home, at elevation, against defending MLS champions, with a full house (Oh..wait)- taking points from quality opponents is always a good sign.
2) Combination Play
The Le Toux – Mwanga pairing has been the most effective way this team has scored goals in its short history. It was on display brilliantly in the previous match against Colorado on Mwanga’s instinct goal (LeToux’s off-ball movement creating the space). But something we’ve started to see in the past few weeks, particularly in Toronto, is increased combination play between forwards and mids.
There’s been more free flowing players interchanging positions. Harvey and Williams up at the corner flags, Mapp pushing up top with the forwards, Jack dropping off to receive passes underneath….they’re all signs of a more confident team willing to take risks- especially with a steady backline they can rely on.
3) Deeper Team
This isn’t a bash against last year’s depth chart (ok maybe), but it’s obvious that Nowak can field a team of any number of differing combinations and still feel confident about getting a result. We have versatile players like the Farfan twins, Keon Daniel, Le Touex, Ryan Richter, Torres – all willing to play different spots to contribute – an asset which will serve the team well over the longer season this year.
It’s something the pink cows sure wish they had over their past streak of draws now that half their starting lineup is away. Henry might just kill Ballouchy next time he gets pissed that he doesn’t get a pass.
