The Colorado Rapids tried to break their losing ways Saturday, but the Seattle Sounders would have the final say. On a day when Colorado would shuffle their defensive lineup, Seattle would struggle to take advantage of the weakened Rapids. Colorado looked toward Thomas Piermayr to step up in to the depleted defensive line and Joe Nasco to step up in goal for the resting Clint Irwin.
Riding a five-game losing streak and facing the top team in the Western Conference; the Rapids came out focused on defense. This meant that the offense that fans saw against the LA Galaxy would suffer.
In the first half Colorado played evenly with Seattle, both offensively and defensively. Piermayr and Nasco stepped into their new roles admirably, both making key stops at different points. Nasco made his MLS debut and despite playing behind a depleted defensive line was able to stop a very talented attacking team multiple times. With the help of Thomas Piermayr at centerback the Rapids were able to shut down the Sounders in the first half. Piermayr was the brightest spot for the dim Rapids.
While the first half was back and forth, Seattle took control in the second half and was able to get on the board in the 52nd minute. Clint Dempsey was able to get costless of Marc Burch and volleyed the ball into the back of the net. Seattle had been threatening from the start of the second half. Dempsey capitalizing on a corner kick was all Seattle would need.
Colorado's offense was once again non-existent. The Rapids have scored just three goals in their last four home games, and outside of their first half explosion against LA the previous week, they have struggled to score the entire month of August. Even with their struggles they are still in playoff contention.
Seattle on the other hand is pulling away from the pack once again. Leading the West and the league by five points after Saturdays win Seattle is almost assured of taking the Supporters’ Shield. Saturday was a story of two teams heading in opposing directions, with Colorado heading the wrong way.