Matt Pickens was excellent: Colorado Rapids coach Gary Smith – MLS News
The reigning Major League Soccer Cup champions, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Drew-Moor-c11678.
Saturday’s game marked Timbers’ third loss in a row (second at their home ground). The place was hyped as the castle for new-to-MLS Timbers. However, Gary Smith’s men stole all three points off the Timbers, much like http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/DC-United-c38901 had done earlier.
Both teams played a defensive game for better part of the match but it surely was a contest between the goalkeepers, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Troy-Perkins-c35554. The two custodians proved their credentials yet again.
“Matt was excellent again,” Coach Smith said.
In addition to Pickens, centre-back http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Tyrone-Marshall-c35649 was even better in fending off the Timbers offence. “Tyrone was absolutely incredible,” added the coach to Marshall’s credit. “That was possibly Marshall’s best game for us, and he’s been playing to a very
good standard, but I think he might have tipped it there.”
Coming on the back of six consecutive draws, the Rapids were on the verge of making one-of-a-kind MLS record of seven stalemates. May had been a troublesome month for the Timbers but this fixture was a much needed break for the visitors.
The head tactician seemed satisfied with the performance. “Tonight was about being strong, being willing and being determined,” said the boss. “I thought the guys showed those qualities in absolute abundance.”
Sometimes an away pitch becomes the motivation to fight the odds and that is exactly what happened in Rose City. “This pitch leads to certain qualities and a certain style and they do it very well,” Smith said. “Away from home, you sometimes need more than
creativity and we showed http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Real-c30728 spirit and guile. The players really stood up strong.”
The team lacked the quality in the final third as Caleb Folan and http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Conor-Casey-c9414 struggled to keep up with the pace of the game.
“We just needed a little bit of energy there at the end,” Smith said.
However, the midfield showed up and created some chances, stretching the field as asked by the coach.
“I hope tonight just gives the lads that added bit of confidence and composure,” Smith said.
The Rapids head back home to take http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Sporting-89-c40576 Goods Park on Saturday, June 18. The tie between the defending MLS Cup champions and reigning Western Conference leaders will be a game to watch.
Tags: