Westminster – Figuring out the Rapids are statistically off to their worst start is the easy part.
The hard part is finding someone worried about it.
“I think the team is better,’ first-year coach Fernando Clavijo said. “There’s no question about it.’
In the midst of a 189-minute scoreless streak, the Rapids (0-2-1) will search for their first victory of the Clavijo era Saturday when the defending Eastern Conference champion Columbus Crew (2-1-0) visit Invesco Field at Mile High.
With only one point from three games and a 2-4 goal difference, the Rapids have equaled the poor starts of the 2003 and 2001 seasons.
However, the Rapids scored in each of their first three games in 2003 and in two of the three games in 2001. Colorado’s revamped lineup hasn’t found the back of the net since the 81st minute of a season-opening loss to Kansas City.
The Rapids dominated possession Saturday against Real Salt Lake, but gave up a late goal to lose 1-0. Two weeks ago in a 0-0 draw with FC Dallas, the Rapids produced few scoring opportunities.
“I thought every game we improved,’ said striker Jeff Cunningham, who trained Thursday for the first time in weeks and hopes to play Saturday. “Collectively as a unit, I thought we played well. Offensively, it’s going to take some time for everyone to get used to each other and jell together.’
Striker Wolde Harris said the defense is now in sync, and it’s up to the midfield and forwards to find a rhythm.
“We’re going to have to grind at it,’ Harris said.
Jean Philippe Peguero, last year’s leading scorer, should return to the lineup Saturday and midfielder Terry Cooke could make his first start.
Pablo Mastroeni attributed the team’s high morale to Clavijo’s confidence that the Rapids are talented enough to ignite once they find a spark.
“From sitting up in the stands it may not look like we’ve improved any, but this is definitely a marathon and not a sprint,’ the midfielder said.
