Game Over Man, Game Over: Seattle Wins 2-1

The good news: The Rapids didn’t lose 1-0 this time!

The bad news: They found a new, different way to lose.

That old seven-game unbeaten streak is now a six game streak without a win, after four draws and two losses. This isn’t the way to win, but Colorado had no offense once again and the defense made one more mishap than usual combined with a bit of bad luck.

Seattle’s Steve Zakuani struck first with a nice shot inside a cluster of players in the box, which hit the post and bounced in off of Matt Pickens’ back. Had Matt not dove, it probably wouldn’t have gone in but that’s the luck of football for you. Literally seconds later, a great pass to Omar Cummings left the striker wide open for a blast that bent right into the top of the net, a very pretty goal and the one that made it level.

Zakuani would strike again on a lapse by the entire Colorado defense that left him open zipping toward the net, striking one in right at the byline. Colorado had several great attempts after that – Cummings in particular had a wide open shot in front of goal that he skied instead of burying – but as has been the theme recently, nobody could finish what they started, the entire team lacked first touch and the game ended in the Rapids loss. To add injury to insult, Conor Casey in the last minute of the game suffered what looked to be a severe head injury, with his forehead bleeding out profusely after he tried to send in a header in the box.

One odd note - after the Rapids website and coach Gary Smith pimping the idea of changing full time to the 4-4-2 that got all the chances in the Kansas City game, the Rapids came out in their usual 4-5-1 formation after all, keeping their usual 4-5-1 offense as well, unfortunately.

Eventually it will be possible to use Mad Libs to write these game recaps, since the Rapids lose so similarly every game.

Colorado is now in what is basically a “must-win” situation with its next two games against FC Dallas and San Jose, stuck at 23 points and desperately needing more to separate themselves from the pack. Seattle with the win now has 22 points, dangerously close to overtaking the burgundy and blue.

Halftime: Seattle 2, Colorado 1

Seattle and Colorado struck quickly back to back with Zakuani and Cummings respectively, and Zakuani added his second a few minutes later to finish the scoring for the first half.

On the bright side, the Rapids have yet to lose a game they’ve scored in this season.

On the dark side, that streak is pretty certain to come to an end eventually.

2-1, Seattle

Another day, another defensive mishap. Zakuani gets his second of the game.

GOAL! 1-1!

And almost IMMEDIATELY after Seattle scored, Omar Cummings took the ball all the way down the field to score on a wonderful strike.

Goal: Seattle 1, Rapids 0

Well, Pickens hadn’t royalled screwed up lately, so I guess he was due. Made a horrible attempt at the save and Zakuani immediately scored.

All That Talk And We're Still Using A 4-5-1

Apparently Coach Smith was just blowing hot air; the Rapids are starting the game with a 4-5-1 formation after all.

Pickens, Earls, Moor, Baudet, Wynne, Mastroeni, Larentowicz, Ballouchy, Smith, Cummings, Casey is your starting XI

The Rapids Head To Seattle For A Division Showdown

The Rapids begin a very important stretch of three games against close division rivals today against the Seattle Sounders at Qwest Field in Washington. This game, combined with the next couple against San Jose and FC Dallas, could be three pivotal games in deciding both third and fourth place in the West. Currently the Rapids are tied at 23 points with San Jose for fourth at present, with FC Dallas sitting only three points above in third. Houston and Seattle are only four points below with 19 each, tied for fifth. To escape this cluster, one of those teams will need to make a run, and the Rapids will have a golden opportunity to do so.

Seattle lost to Colorado in the only meeting they’ve had thus far, with Conor Casey netting his first goal of the season in regular season play to give the Rapids a 1-0 victory in Commerce City. Seattle is having a fairly down season considering their semi-finals appearance last year, stuck in that tie for fifth place and floundering a bit with a 5-8-4 record including a 3-4-2 record at home.

Coach Gary Smith will most likely be playing a 4-4-2 formation today as opposed to his usual 4-5-1, the same formation that he used to finally get the offense moving against Kansas City in the second half of the Rapids’ last game. Who will be starting in midfield is a bit of a mystery, but we’ll most likely see Mehdi Ballouchy, Pablo Mastroeni and all star Jeff Lerentowicz in the starting line-up along with Conor Casey and Omar Cummings on the attack. If the Rapids can score two or… god forbid, three goals, look to see the 4-4-2 coming in full time.

The game is playing on national TV on Fox Sports Channel at 8:30 PM mountain time.