NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Colorado Rapids

Defensive Solidity the Key as Rapids Push to Keep Pace

September 18, 2014 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


The Colorado Rapids broke their seven match losing streak last Saturday night after tying the Portland Timbers 2-2. Defender Shane O'Neill returned from injury as the Rapids hoped to add some depth to a backline that has regularly been giving up goals since a 3-0 loss to New England on July 30.

The Rapids have been rocked by injuries defensively in the second half of the season, with Drew Moor, Shane O'Neill and Jared Watts all falling by the wayside. Since the injuries, six different defenders have been used in various combinations.

These injuries have led to a season that has been very hot and cold defensively. The first 20 games saw them give up only 24 goals while recording nine shutouts. In the last eight winless games, their record has been 0-7-1 with eight goals for and 24 goals against.

After 23 games the Rapids had only once given up four goals in a game. In the past five games, they have done so three times. Sitting five points below Portland and six points off of the final playoff spot, they will be eager to recreate the defensive form of the first 20 games as they seek a late surge.

O'Neill's return will hopefully mark the beginning of a brighter days. He paired up alongside Thomas Piermayr who has been playing center back - his favored position - for the past several games and has adjusted well. Using the experience of Marvell Wynne, Chris Klute and Marc Burch, a balanced partnership between O'Neill and Piermayr could go a long way to bringing early season defensive form to the backline.

Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni was pleased with the performance of Piermayr and how he played with O'Neill: "I think he's played really well, and he's a great option moving forward. I think he and Shane were really good back there.

"Those (Portland) guys are really mobile, really quick, really dynamic in their movements, and, for the most part, they did a really good job of stifling their attack."

The Rapids travel to Salt Lake on Friday where they hope the combination of Piermayr and O'Neill can blossom into a solid partnership. A win is essential in the race for the playoffs, and a strong defensive performance will be necessary if the Rapids need are to come out of the game with all three points.

Check out the Colorado Rapids Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Major League Soccer message board...

Major League Soccer Stories from September 18, 2014


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central