By Jess Houwen // @jesshuh15
Colorado Rapids v. FC Cincinnati: 3-1
It was a busy week for the Rapids as Saturday was their third game in seven days. FC Cincinnati came to Colorado for the first time in their history as an MLS side and left without any points. (Also worth noting, this was the first game this season where the Rapids have not received a card of any color.)
The first half was relatively uneventful, but the Rapids came out with a hunger of a team who finally remembered what winning felt like. The first substitution of the game came early, in the fifteenth minute, with Sam Vines replacing Deklan Wynne. Wynne looked to be injured as he was helped off the field by training staff after sitting down in the middle of play.
The Rapids took the lead just before the half thanks to a pass from Sam Nicholson directly to Andre Shinyashiki. Nicholson himself had a chance shortly thereafter, but was offside and the FC Cincinnati keeper, Spencer Richey, played out of his mind to stop the ball from going in.
Second half was a different story. Three goals within ten minutes meant the Rapids were ahead, but not before an excellent save off the line by Jack Price on a Cincinnati corner kick. The 72nd minute saw Kekuta Manneh split our center backs, Keagan Rosenberry and Lalas Abubakar, and put the ball in with two touches. Nico Mezquida came in for Cole Bassett about fifteen minutes into the second half and made the most of his time by putting the game winner in net.
Not ten minutes later, the Rapids charged down the field again and won a corner. Price served to the center of the box and Diego Rubio (in during the 67th minute for Andre Shinyashiki) headed it in for the final goal of the game.
For me, Man of the Match this game had to be Andre Shinyashiki. He hustled; he was where he needed to be when he needed to be there. He scored the opening goal and created opportunities for his teammates. (Lucky for me, C38 agreed. Shinyashiki was awarded the Oar for the game.) With only three starts for 2019, he is off to an incredible season and is definitely making his case for MLS’ Rookie of the Year.
The Rapids play Minnesota United this weekend at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
17’ – SUBSTITUTION: Sam Vines in for Deklan Wynne (COL 1/3)
43’ – GOAL: Andre Shinyashiki (COL 1 – FCC 0)
60’ – SUBSTITUTION: Nico Mezquida in for Cole Bassett (COL 2/3)
60’ – SUBSTITUTION: Corben Bone in for Franuel Amaya (FCC 1/3)
68’ – SUBSTITUTION: Diego Rubio in for Andre Shinyashiki (COL 3/3)
70’ – SUBSTITUTION: Kekuta Manneh in for Allan Cruz (FCC 2/3)
72’ – GOAL: Kekuta Manneh (COL 1 – FCC 1)
73’ – GOAL: Nico Mezquida (COL 2 – FCC 1)
82’ – GOAL: Diego Rubio (COL 3 – FCC 1)
84’ – SUBSTITUTION: Darren Mattocks in for Roland Lamah (FCC 3/3)
Featured image: Daniel Reinberger // IG @reinbergerphoto
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