COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Drew Moor and the Colorado Rapids hosted their first home game of the 2020 MLS regular season on Saturday night against Chris Mueller and Orlando City SC.
Drew Moor Homecoming Sees Colorado Rapids Stun Orlando City
The first half was an even and slightly underwhelming affair. Orlando built out of the back and pressed in a 3-4-3 and dropped back to a 4-4-2 when defending. They did well to create a few chances with Dom Dwyer and Nani unavailable. The Rapids tried to counter quickly and get the ball to Sam Nicholson to then serve the ball to Kei Kamara, but they could not convert.
Orlando’s first good chance came in the 19th minute. Kyle Smith collected a cross in the box with no one around him. He shot across goal but goalkeeper Clint Irwin made the save.
Younes Namli spoiled a great opportunity in the 35th minute. Andre Shinyashiki created his own shot in the box that was saved by Pedro Gallese. Namli got to the rebound but shot wide. The half ended 0-0.
Orlando looked energetic to start the second half with a few counter attacks and Tesho Akindele causing problems for the center backs. Irwin was forced into a few uncomfortable saves and situations but remained unbeaten.
Both teams appeared to be lacking the finishing touch. It would take a moment of brilliance from someone to break the deadlock. And so it did. Younes Namli opened his Rapids account in the 64th minute.
Keegan Rosenberry found him in space. Namli dribbled past three Lions, spun around, and shot between the center backs. The ball bounced past Gallese and into the bottom right corner.
The game got stretched after that as both sides were not conditioned to altitude. The best chances came off quick counter attacks through the substitutes and it was a sub that tied it up.
Orlando got the ball in the final third in the 82nd minute. Two quick passes saw Chris Mueller run on goal and slot the ball across goal, passed Irwin, and inside the far post.
There was one more wrinkle to be had in the game. Colorado won a corner on the stroke of the 90th minute. Jack Price found Drew Moor who headed it in. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park erupted as the Rapids went on to win 2-1.
DREW MOOR! @ColoradoRapids retake the lead! #COLvORL pic.twitter.com/XSfaTz7JUp
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) March 8, 2020
Three Takeaways:
Younes Namli arrives: Namli was the big DP acquisition for Colorado in the off-season. His debut went decent but this game was fantastic with him getting the goal and being more involved in the build up. He did well on several dribbles in tight spaces as well.
Altitude wears both teams out: The game had a good pace in the first half but slowed down in the second. The best opportunities came when the field was stretched or the ball was played quickly between lines. Plays like this led to both goals.
Drew Moor celebrates homecoming on a set piece: Set pieces are a massive part of Colorado’s game. Drew Moor, in his first home game back with the club made the difference. Colorado has two wins with two goals off restarts in this early season.
