Colorado Rapids’ head coach Pablo Mastroeni is remaining positive despite Colorado’s early scoring draught.
“We just need that pass to go our way and for the ball to find its way into the back of the net,” Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said of his team’s scoring drought. “Once you score that first one the floodgates will open.”
The Rapids became the first club in MLS league history to start a regular season campaign with three consecutive scoreless outings. Colorado has been scoreless in their last 510 minutes during the regular season.
Mastroeni tried to spark the Colorado offense by starting Argentinian designated player, Juan Ramirez into the starting lineup. Mastroeni placed him alongside Marcelo Sarvas, Sarvas played the unusual position for him during the game, playing the attacker on the midefield role.
Ramirez showed his worth in the starting lineup as he was productive throughout the game, and was the Rapids best offensive threat against the Houston defense. He had three shots with two being on target.
“I thought Marcelo played well,” Mastroeni said of the performance. “It’s a bit new to him to be making those runs, but when he releases from the midfield he creates fits for the opposing team.”
The addition of Juan Ramirez in the starting lineup was not the only change the Rapids made during the contest against the Dynamo. Gabriel Torres was at the striker position, while Dillon Powers returned to the wing.
“We wanted to create a numbers advantage in the midfield,” Mastroeni explained. “When we found a good combination of passes we opened things up for Juan [Ramirez] and Gabby [Torres]. Those guys all possess the mentality to battle.”
