[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bNF3nwU6Q8]
Colorado and Montréal came into the weekend at the bottom of our Power Rankings, a status that looked a little suspect given the Rapids’ record. With four wins before today’s game in Commerce City, Colo., Pablo Mastroeni’s team was firmly middle-of-the-pack in terms of points, but recent a loss to Chivas USA plus an inability to score goals cast doubt on Colorado’s current form.
On Saturday, however, the Impact proved the perfect tonic for the Rapids’ woes. With three second half goals building on Dillon Powers’ early opener from the spot, Colorado ended its three-game winless run, with a late goal from Andres Romero salvaging the dignity of a 4-1 loss from Montréal.
Of course, dignity is used somewhat tongue-in-cheek there. Against one of the league’s struggling sides, the Impact reverted to the form that produced lopsided losses to Sporting Kansas City, making the team’s draw at RFK Stadium last week look like an outlier. Over the last five games, Montréal has new given up 12 goals.
Starting Wandrille Lefebvre and Heath Pearce in central defense, Frank Klopas saw his defense provide little resistance after halftime, though it the middle of his back four didn’t let him down until the final goal. Scoring on two blasts from beyond the penalty area, the Rapids took advantage of Montréal’s inability to step to shooters, taking a one-goal lead and making it three by the hour mark.
As a result, Colorado cured its main ill — a lack of scoring — though it’s unclear how long the remedy will last. With the league’s worst record, Montréal has shown itself to be a very distinct team. What works against the struggling Impact can’t necessarily be translated onto the next opponent.
That next opponent will be Houston, and although the long distance goals and penalties that carried Colorado on Saturday may not present themselves next weekend, the confidence garnered in a three-goal win could see a rejuvenated team face the Dynamo. Scoffing at our Power Rankings, Colorado now sits third in the West.
