COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids have had a tight defense all season and are currently sixth in MLS in goals conceded.
That’s pretty handy when you also consider that they have been banging goals in at the other end. The Rapids’ goal difference of plus-12 is better than any Eastern Conference team and only behind the Western big guns of Real Salt Lake, LA Galaxy and FC Dallas.
Clearly, a big part of their tight defense comes from the consistency of the back four, in particular Drew Moor and Marvell Wynne. Moor has played every minute of every MLS game and Wynne has been on the field when not injured.
And it’s vital, too, not to underestimate the importance of the central midfield pairing of Pablo Mastroeni and Jeff Larentowicz in snuffing out opposition attacks before they can take hold.
But when all that has broken down, what’s left? Matt Pickens, thankfully.
The big goalkeeper has been a rock for the team all season, playing in every game bar one when reserve 'keeper Ian Joyce came in and shut out Houston in August.
The stats show it, too. Pickens is currently third in the league for saves made (85), behind only Stefan Frei of Toronto and Nick Rimando of Real Salt Lake. His goals-against average this season is 1.07.
SEE: MLS goalkeeper stats
During last Saturday's LA Galaxy game, Pickens had to endure a torrid opening 10 minutes when David Beckham was bending the ball in from the right flank at will. The 6-foot-3 goalkeeper was forced to come off his line on multiple occasions to snuff out the threats, and he was very unfortunate to concede the only goal on the night during that opening period.
WATCH: Buddle beats Pickens for lead
Pickens was also under the gun in the final minutes as the Galaxy pressed forward to try and get back into a game that the Rapids had effectively sealed with their three unanswered goals.
Colorado head coach Gary Smith said Pickens’ performance on Saturday was typical of the way he has played all season.
“He’s in great form and he looked very solid tonight,” Smith told MLSsoccer.com after the LA game. “He’s playing ever so well. He looks confident and his performances have grown throughout the season.”
