Rapids shutout by Orlando, lose third straight
Saturday's loss is the Burgundy Boy's eighth in 10 games
The Colorado Rapids (6-4-8) lost to Orlando City SC (8-6-4) 2-0 on Saturday night. The Rapids’ offensive woes continued as only two of their 13 shots were on target. For the second game in a row, Colorado also failed to score.
Rapids head coach Chris Armas returned to the 4-2-2-2 formation, which featured both Rafael Navarro and Darren Yapi as strikers. Although Armas has used a similar formation seven times this season, his team has only been victorious once while starting two strikers up top.
Early on in the game, it was apparent that Orlando’s attack was frustrating Colorado’s defense. Throughout the first half of the season, the Rapids have had a revolving carousel in their backline. No one defensive player has started all 18 games which is a main reason the team is on pace to concede nearly 50 goals.
In the 24th minute, Orlando’s Martin Ojeda blasted a left footed-shot that ricocheted off of Colorado keeper Nico Hansen’s glove and hit the top netting to give the away team the lead.
Although Hansen was able to deny the Lions from extending the lead, his attack was unable to generate any fireworks on the other end of the field. Going into halftime, the Burgundy Boys looked disorganized.
In the remaining 45 minutes, Colorado captain Djordje Mihailovic and Navarro desperately tried creating chances to level the game. Both players were able to create a spark in the offense, but no balls ended up hitting the back of the net.
“Right now we are in a tough period,’ Armas said following the loss. “ Margins are so thin, and we are unable to sway it in our favor.”
Through the team’s 18 games, the Rapids have only scored 18 goals, which is tied for third lowest in the Western Conference. Mihailovic, Navarro and Yapi combine for 15 of the 18 goals. The lack of offensive firepower on the field has been a huge reason for the team’s three game losing streak and eight losses in the last 10 games.
The Rapids will have over a week off before hosting the reigning MLS Champions LA Galaxy (1-5-12) on Saturday, June 25 at 7:30 p.m. MT. Last season, the Galaxy knocked Colorado out of the MLS playoffs following a 5-0 loss and a 4-1 loss in the best of three series. The game can be streamed on MLS Season Pass via Apple TV.