(Editorial) – The Colorado Rapids will be without center back Bobby Burling for the month of June and then some. The 31-year-old had knee surgery this past week. They now have to replace their best defender for the next five games, possibly more. Who’s going to replace Burling and how will his absence affect the Rapids? Let’s break it down.
Bobby Burling Knee Surgery And How It Affects The Rapids
It’s unclear when Burling’s knee started acting up. He’s missed only one game this season, May 14th at Columbus, but that was during a double game week. Burling did get subbed off in the last game against Philadelphia, playing only 65 minutes.
Regardless of when the injury occurred, this was a well-timed and strategic decision by the Rapids and their medical staff. The Rapids will have had two weeks between games and won’t play another MLS match till June 18th. That’s three full weeks off between league matches. This also good timing in that the Rapids play only one away game in that stretch, June 22nd at Los Angeles.
Jared Watts is the obvious replacement for Burling. He’s played 386 minutes in six games this season, the vast majority at center back. When Burling has not been in the lineup, he’s been the player head coach Pablo Mastroeni has turned to. Eric Miller has also played a game at center back. Sean St. Ledger is the veteran option at 31-years-old but has yet to play a minute this season.
Watts has played this entire season next to Axel Sjöberg, who’s coming into his own this year. It hasn’t always been pretty but the pair are only giving up 0.93 goals/90 minutes played together. Less than a goal per game is good. For comparison, Burling and Sjöberg together are giving up just 0.62 goals/90 minutes together.
The difference here is that Sjöberg will need to be the organizer on defense with the veteran Burling out. He’s gotten some good experience under Burling and continues to be very impressive as a second year professional in MLS. His ability to help Watts prevent dangerous chances before they happen will be critical.
Watts is only 6’1″, four inches shorter than Burling and six inches shorter than Sjöberg. He’s good in the air with players his height or shorter, but the Rapids are weaker in the air with Burling on the sidelines.
The Rapids will have to be more careful with long balls. They will also need to make a conscious effort to limit corner and set piece opportunities for their opponents. Fortunately for the Rapids, the only threatening No. 9 on the upcoming schedule is Fernando Adi of the Portland Timbers. Sjöberg will have to focus on the key opposing aerial threats, including Adi.
Other players for the Rapids will also need to step up defensively in Burling’s absence. Sam Cronin and Michael Azira lead Colorado in minutes played this season. Their work rate will be critical to help shield the back four. The two have been excellent in 2016 and they will need to continue to play at a high level.
All this aside, Watts will have to step up. Keep it simple. Don’t make any defensive mistakes that lead to goals. He doesn’t need to be spectacular. He just needs to get the job done. He’s done it before, he can do it again. After all, one of Mastroeni’s mantras is ‘next man up.’
