COMMERCE CITY — Minimum effort. Maximum gain.
That is more or less the blueprint teams have used against the Rapids since they dismantled the sorry New York Red Bulls 4-0 on July 4. The rocket’s red glare has been reduced to a flicker, as Colorado’s 0-1-2 MLS record and two so-so exhibition matches since attest.
Soccer is a cruel game, but it’s been especially hard on a team missing a killer instinct in attack and machine-like precision in the back.
“We’re possessing the ball, but the problem is teams are creating two chances and they score two goals,” coach Fernando Clavijo said after practice Wednesday, the second day the Rapids focused on defensive spacing and recovery, in addition to finishing. “We put ourselves in great situations and then you must put the ball in the back of the net — either you do or you don’t. We have the opportunities.”
“Opportunities” has been the albatross around the Rapids’ necks. They hope to cash in Saturday afternoon when they host Toronto FC (6-8-4) at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in the middle of a three-game homestand that was supposed to launch them toward the top of the Western Conference.
Oddly enough, it still could. The Rapids (6-9-3) have the second-worst record in MLS, but are just six points out of first place in the West.
Colorado’s 12 remaining games are split evenly home and away.
“We need to win. We have to win,” Clavijo said.
Toronto might be more frustrated. The Reds have not won since beating the Rapids 3-1 on June 14. Their winless streak is six MLS games and 11 overall.
The Reds will be without playmaker Amado Guevara and defender Marco Velez due to suspension. Leading scorer Danny Dichio (concussion), who has not played since July 1, declared himself fit Thursday and will travel. Dakota Ridge High School graduate Todd Dunivant (ankle) is out.
McManus should return.
If Tom McManus’ knee isn’t feeling like a balloon this morning, the Scottish striker will factor into Saturday’s game.
McManus (four goals) was hurt in a 1-1 draw with San Jose on July 12. Clavijo hinted Thursday that McManus would be a substitute rather than start.
“It’s going to swell up for a few weeks,” McManus said.
McManus practiced without restrictions Wednesday and scored a few blistering goals.
Clavijo said he expects Pablo Mastroeni to return to the midfield with Ugo Ihemelu, Facundo Erpen and Jose Burciaga Jr. in defense.
Transfer talk.
With the international transfer window closing in seven days, the Rapids have a good seat at the table. Colorado is second in line behind the Los Angeles Galaxy for an allocation and flush with $125,000.
U.S. international midfielders Eddie Lewis, Benny Feilhaber and defender Cory Gibbs are considering moves to MLS, Clavijo said.
The Rapids want a striker, but Clavijo said they would consider anyone who can help them in the stretch run.
