Colorado Rapids: Three hopes, one fear

Hope #3: That Tim Howard can hold back the Galaxy attack.

Since making the jump back to MLS Howard has nothing short of amazing. In just seventeen matches he has pulled together a 1.12 Goals Against Average, accrued a save percentage of 73.7, and earned seven clean sheets. Although he has not had to make as many saves as his peers (he only has 53 on the season) when called upon he has answered.

Sunday is going to be a real test for Howard and the Rapids defense. Los Angeles showed on Wednesday that they do not necessarily need the big stars to score for them to put three goals past an opponent. The Galaxy can score from a variety of angles, from a variety of positions, and at any time in the match. Those are the breaks when you have the deepest roster in all of MLS.

The good news is that Howard and the Rapids have shown this season that they can hold their own against the Galaxy. In three matches against the Galaxy this season the Rapids have conceded just once. Mastroeni’s game-plan in defending against Los Angeles emphasizes limiting their chances in the center of the pitch and forcing them to go with long balls into the box. That plays to their size advantage in goal and at center-back.

Even if the Galaxy do breakthrough Rapids supporters can rest somewhat easy as they have a goalkeeper who is experienced in handling a shooting gallery. Howard might not be the same keeper that he was back in 2014 but he is still very effective and very much up for the task.