Teams around the Colorado Rapids in the MLS standings did them some favors on Saturday, but they could not capitalize. Instead, they were dismantled by the league’s worst team, the L.A. Galaxy, at Dignity Health Sports Park.
Even worse, the Galaxy played the kids in a 3-0 win over the Rapids. L.A. rotated its squad heavily with a Leagues Cup semifinal to prepare for, leaving only a few regular starters on the field for the Galaxy for most of the game.
“From the start of the game and all the way through, we just didn’t bring our good stuff on the night, which is disappointing, but you learn from it,” Rapids coach Chris Armas said. “The performance wasn’t good enough at all the things that make us good. … In order to win in this league, you’ve got to bring your good stuff.”
Two of those goals came from an 18- and a 22-year-old who combined for just 17 games of MLS experience. The former, Harbor Miller, struck early with a textbook finish in the seventh minute, then Elijah Wynder doubled the lead in the 55th — both assisted by right back Miki Yamame. Gabriel Pec, a substitute, put the game to bed in the 75th on a counterattack.
Colorado’s record-breaking newest signing in a slew of incoming transfers, Paxten Aaronson, subbed on in the 59th minute. A pair of other Rapids also played their first minutes with the club in left back Rafael Santos and midfielder Daouda Amadou.
There were moments, like hitting the post in the final minutes of the game, that made it evident why the Rapids spent $7 million on Aaronson. But there were others where he looked shaky. Thatap not entirely surprising, given his first training session was on Friday and he’s entering the fray having only done preseason ramp-up in Germany.
Curiously, Armas went away from the 3-4-3 formation that has netted the Rapids two straight wins since the departure of Djordje Mihailovic. Instead, it was a 4-4-2 that leaked wide attacks from the Galaxy that allowed for at least two, if not all three, of L.A.’s goals.
“(The 4-4-2) gives us an extra attacker on the pitch to go after the L.A. Galaxy (on the press). We can change formations, we have tactical flexibility to do that,” Armas said. “But tonight was more about the way we played, more than the structure. It was the basics: being sharper with the ball, decision-making, box defending, intensity. Thatap what itap always about; those are principles, the DNA of this team.”
Austin FC, a point behind the Rapids in the standings but with two games in hand, lost to another one of the league’s worst teams in CF Montréal. The Portland Timbers, now one spot and two points above Colorado with one game in hand, drew with San Diego FC.
The Rapids produced only one shot on goal against a team that now only has four wins in 27 games. Next up is a road trip to Sporting Kansas City, another team far below the Rapids in the standings, but one they lost to at home earlier this season.
“This team is still headed in the right direction. Next week, we’ve got a big game against SKC,” defender Reggie Cannon said. “All these points matter at this point. With only six games left, itap going to be really important with this run to get every point. I’m really proud of the way the guys showed their effort. … I think we’ve just got to improve the quality in the final third defensively and be more solid in the back next week.”
