(Editorial) – The Colorado Rapids are flying high at the top of the Western Conference. They are on a four game unbeaten streak thanks to their midfield play, especially Jermaine Jones. But there’s been one key negative to the current version of the Rapids midfield and Jones playing the No. 10: Dillon Powers has been stuck on the bench. Can he find another role on the team? Is there a way for him to get into the starting lineup? Let’s break it down.
Colorado Rapids Midfield: Dillon Powers Might Be Stuck On The Bench
Powers started the first five games of the season, going 90 minutes in all but one of them. The 25-year-old has played the No. 10 role in a 4-2-3-1. He went down with a hamstring injury before the Sporting KC game on April 13th.
A game later, Jones started against New York Red Bulls having served his suspension. Jones has started every game since at the No. 10 role and Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni has made it clear that isn’t changing. He’s been spectacular and unorthodox since making his Rapids debut. Powers has come off the bench in the last two games, playing only four minutes. Against Seattle, Powers came in for Jones. At Montreal, he came in for Shkelzen Gashi.
Coming out of the preseason, Powers was clearly going to be in the No. 10 role. This was probably before the club started talking with the New England Revolution about trading for Jones. Jones is the big name and would be a Designated Player if not for Target Allocation Money. If he is healthy, he is going to start. He’s clearly finding a home as the Central Attacking Midfielder. Powers is not going to jump him on the depth chart.
Powers has never been a wide player as a professional, at least he hasn’t been comfortable in that role. It’s hard to believe he could make the switch and do better than Shkelzen Gashi (2 goals, 2 assists in four games) or Marco Pappa, who was sensational before spraining his knee. Dominique Badji has also had some great moments.
So the Notre Dame product won’t be playing wide or up top. What about in a holding role in the 4-2-3-1? Sam Cronin and Michael Azira have been a good central pairing. Furthermore, the two lead the midfield in playing time. They’re the only two field players who’ve played more than 800 minutes this year. Until they start having problems or get hurt, Mastroeni is not breaking those two up to get Powers on the field.
It’s also unlikely that the Rapids are going to change formation either. This team isn’t built for a 4-4-2. They certainly have the wide attack to run a 4-3-3, but I’m not sure they’re #SportingFit. A three man midfield with Jones, Powers, and one of Cronin or Azira could work. But as long as the team keeps getting results, Mastroeni isn’t going to change the system.
Powers will not be a total waste sitting on the bench though. Jones has been named to the USMNT preliminary roster for Copa America. Powers can fill in for any games Jones misses because of national team duty. He could also play a game or two extra once Jones gets back in case he comes back tired. Jones also has had injury problems the last few years. At 34-years-old, he could use a reliable backup now and again.
Right now, Dillon Powers’s primary role in the Colorado Rapids midfield is to backup Jermaine Jones. Maybe if the team has a bad result or two, he’ll be given a chance in a holding role. Or Jones could move back and Powers could play the No. 10 role. Still, there might be something unsettling between the lines.
Powers signed a multi-year contract extension in 2014. At the time, he said “I’m really happy to be at the heart of what we’re building here in Colorado.” The team might be winning, but there are other places he could be starting. He was Rookie of the Year in 2013. Powers has been considered the “Rapikid” with the best upside for awhile now.
I wouldn’t be shocked if the club is having to maneuver around appeasing him on some level. I also wouldn’t be shocked if either side is thinking about a move, even if subconsciously.
