Analysis — One of the biggest talking points for Colorado Rapids fans lately has been defense and in particular the center back pairing. After conceding 12 goals in the last five games, the Rapids held one of the best scoring teams in MLS to just one goal when they played Sporting KC Saturday night.
Typically playing in a 4-2-3-1 formation the consistent defensive line has featured Danny Wilson and Lalas Abubakar at centerback. Meanwhile, Keegan Rosenberry and Same Vines play as outside backs. William Yarbrough has won the starting keeper position and looks more comfortable each outing.
Team Defense Approach
The Rapids came out in the first half against Sporting Kansas City playing a high press selectively while dominating possession offensively. The diagonal ball over the top from left footed Danny Wilson was a priority and dangerous at times. This allows the Rapids to slow the game down when needed but also to go direct with a long ball towards Namli at right wing.
Coach Robin Fraser spoke about his defense recently.
“Its more than just center backs,” Fraser said. “They compliment each other in terms of on the ball. And off the ball Lalas certainly compliments an experienced player beside him off the ball. Part of them doing well is the whole team defending well. It has a lot do with the guys up front putting pressure on, making entry passes more predictable. Having said that I think Danny and Lalas did a good job dealing with the things they had to tonight.”
What Fraser makes clear is that it is a team defensive effort and not just the centerback pairing that’s important. That being said Fraser has a clear center back preference, with the idea being that one defender is good on the ball while the other excels off the ball. The Scottish and Ghanaian combination makes sense tactically and has provided the best defensive stability this season.
Just a couple of kids from Colorado. pic.twitter.com/pSNe2twLjm
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 31, 2020
Squad Depth
Behind the preferred combination of Wilson and Lalas is left footed center back Auston Trusty. Trusty, who arrived from the Philadelphia Union on Nov. 20, 2019, for a total of $600,000 in TAM money, is a 22-year-old player who is one of the most athletic defenders in MLS.
Listed at 6’3″ he was the fifth ever Homegrown player for the Union. “He’s one of the best young defenders in the MLS,” Padraig Smith said upon acquiring the Pennsylvania native.
Although he has featured for only 28 minutes for the Rapids, he was a regular starter for the Union. Last year, he made 22 starts last season and even chipped in offensively with two goals and an assist. Trusty is closest in comparison to Lalas as they are both physically gifted players off the ball.
The return of fan favorite Drew Moor to the Rapids this season looked promising originally. However, Moor now finds himself on the bench in recent weeks as Wilson has become the preferred option alongside Lalas. Eight years older than his fellow defenders, Moor is showing that he may not be a regular starter anymore. On the other hand he provides experience, depth and a cool head.
One for the future is Kortne Ford a young, athletic Homegrown defender. It’s been a long recovery for Ford, who has been out for two years with knee injuries. A Rookie of the Year finalist and Denver University graduate from Greeley, Colorado, he is focused on getting back on the field but is unlikely to play in 2020.
“Anybody who knows Kortne knows how determined he is and how far he’s willing to push it to make sure he gets the opportunity to play soccer again,” Smith said.
Adding further to squad depth is Jeremy Kelly and Collen Werner who provide versatile back up defensive and central midfield options. This will allow Keegan Rosenberry to get rest when needed after playing every single minute of the 2019 season at right back.
A goal from @colebassett19 gives us a point at home. pic.twitter.com/pz7mXmumTL
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) August 30, 2020
Last Word
It’s abundantly clear that Fraser has full faith in his preferred combination of Wilson and Lalas as starters. However, Fraser has been rotating the squad to find the best fit while managing a very demanding schedule. Many fans are itching to see Trusty take the field.
For now, Trusty will have to be content learning from the sidelines and fighting for a chance to prove himself. It could very well be that Trusty is the long term preference. However, the Rapids organization hasn’t made that public as of yet. Meanwhile, Moor provides an excellent option in the rotation.
Expect to see Wilson and Lalas to be named starters for most games. The unique on the ball skills of the Scot are a clear priority for this club. Trusty is also left footed so we likely won’t see them both on the field at the same time unless Wilson slides into midfield.
The Burgundy Boys take on the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night in their next match as they look to grab three points on the road.
