Colorado Rapids: Three hopes, one fear

The big fear: That going down a goal could prove fatal.

The Colorado Rapids have had a tremendous season and should be commended for all of their work to building this franchise back. But it will be all for naught if they cannot find the back of the net. Their 39 goals scored this year are the lowest among any side in the playoffs and tied for second lowest in the league. While the MLS Cup playoff history is littered with teams that have won it all with stout defending they have also needed a little bit of help in the attacking half. It is unclear at this point who can deliver that moment for this Rapids side.

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Of particular concern should be the scenario that the Rapids go down a goal. Colorado likes to score early and then rely on their defending to slow down their opponents. But if they allow one do they have the pieces that can mount a comeback? They haven’t really been tested this season in terms if having to play from behind so it will be interesting to see what they can do.

The good news is for Colorado is that this is not the young, inexperienced side that had a cup of coffee in the playoffs in 2014. Gashi and Doyle are both experienced forwards who have played in some pretty big matches in their careers. Look for Mastroeni to lean on them to help Colorado’s attacking efforts.