Colorado vs. Columbus Match Summary

March 10th, 2012

The Rapids began their 2012 season and a new era with coach Oscar Paraja on Saturday in Commerce City against the Columbus Crew. Before kickoff Rapids fans, all 14,743 of them, unveiled a giant new Colorado flag and tifo saying "In Papi we trust", referring to Paraja. There was also a Colombian flare coming out of the North End Terraces with many Colombian flags in honor of Peraja's home country.

The Rapids started the match using their shiny new 4-3-3 system that Paraja hopes will bring a different and more exciting style of play to Colorado, though at times it looked like the Rapids were playing in a 4-5-1. The three forwards up top were Brian Mullan, Omar Cummings and Super Draft pick Tony Casico. The match began slowly with many players on both sides falling and tripping around the pitch, with many fouls called on both sides. Columbus was forced to make an early substitution due to injury.

The Rapids did find their rhythm near the end of the half when they began to dominate possession. A corner kick in the 44th minute by Colorado was easily cleared by Columbus, but Kosuke Kimura of the Rapids was able to put a beautiful cross back into the box. Drew Moor headed the cross straight into the back of the net to give the 'Pids a 1-0 lead going into the half.

The second half started strong, with the Rapids creating many chances on goal. Colorado's three forwards were really pushing up the field, but not able to put anything in the goal. Columbus had a few good shots on goal that forced Rapid's keeper Matt Pickens to make some great saves. At one point Pickens leapt and barely got his finger tips on the ball to send it over the woodwork.

Towards the end of the match, the Rapids aggressive style of play began to dwindle and the Pids started showing more of a 4-4-2 formation after subbing out Tony Casico for Quincy Amerikwa.

In the 89th minute, Kosuke Kimura found Quincy Amerikwa just in front of the penalty area. Amerikwa maneuvered around a few defenders and fired a laser shot into the back left corner of the net to give the Rapids a 2-0 victory and the three match points in their season opener.

Man of the Match:

Kosuke Kimura created both goals with on target passes and crosses. Kimura also drove the ball up field numerous times trying to create an opportunity to cross the ball into the box from the right side. Kimura was key for the Rapids defense as well, winning the ball back from Columbus many times.

Notes of the Match:

The anticipation of seeing the Rapid's new Argentinian #10, Martin Rivero, continues to grow as he was still unable to play due to logistics in the match against Columbus. Many fans are curious to see how the Rapids offense will change once Rivero and injured striker Conor Casey can both start seeing significant minutes.

Up Next:

Next week Colorado travels to Philadelphia to take on the Union. Philadelphia opens their season on Monday night In Portland. 


What did you think of the first match? How did the new-look Rapids play? Sound off in the comments below!