Playing for 90
Fansided

Two players to watch for each remaining team in the MLS Cup playoffs

By Carson A Merk

Aug 24, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) jumps on the back of forward Jozy Altidore (17) after he scored against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Toronto FC defeated the Orlando City SC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 24, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco (10) jumps on the back of forward Jozy Altidore (17) after he scored against the Orlando City SC during the second half at Camping World Stadium. Toronto FC defeated the Orlando City SC 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids midfielder Shkelzen Gashi (11) in the first half of the match against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dick
Nov 6, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids midfielder Shkelzen Gashi (11) in the first half of the match against the Los Angeles Galaxy at Dick /

Shkelzen Gashi

The beard is wicked, and so are the long distance strikes from the Albanian international. Shkelzen Gashi won the MLS’ goal of the year with a nasty bending free kick. He saved Colorado’s season, forcing penalties, with a shot from way outside the box against Los Angeles.

On a team of no true big names, outside of Tim Howard, Shkelzen Gashi is the top weapon the Rapids have offensively. With the limitless range he has on his strikes, the defense cannot take their eyes off of him once he passes midfield. He is a good defender, and a demanding communicator in the midfield.

Without Howard, Gashi will be expected to be the leader going into this Western Conference final. He picked up a knock during that second leg win over the Galaxy, but he is expected to be ready to go against Seattle Sounders.

May 7, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) stops a shot on goal in the second half of the match against Real Salt Lake at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 7, 2016; Commerce City, CO, USA; Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Zac MacMath (18) stops a shot on goal in the second half of the match against Real Salt Lake at Dicks Sporting Goods Park. The Rapids defeated Real Salt Lake 1-0. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Zac MacMath

Unfortunately for the Rapids, Tim Howard is out for the playoffs, and a few months after that. Fortunately, their backup goalkeeper, Zac MacMath, was having an amazing season before Howard’s July arrival. No team is better off with Tim Howard out of goal, but MacMath actually had less goals scored against him in the same amount of regular season matches as the USMNT shot stopper.

MacMath has been a solid goalkeeper in Philadelphia previously, but he elevated his game this season for the defensively sound Rapids. If they are to stop a very potent Sounders’ attack, MacMath will need to return to mid season form, and maybe even channel some Tim Howard big game magic.

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