New York City FC host Colorado Rapids at Citi Field on Sunday
For this edition of 'The Away End' presented by Berkeley College & Rennert International, we spoke to Matt Pollard, Managing Editor of the Burguyndy Wave.
How long have you been covering the Colorado Rapids?
My first season in the pressbox was 2016. My first year podcasting on the club was 2018. I took over as Managing Editor of Burgundy Wave in November 2022.
What has been your highlight in that time?
The 2016 and 2021 seasons were joyous and magical. Two underdog teams with no big stars. One team finished second in the Western Conference and had a chance to win the Shield on Decision Day. The other won the Western Conference and hosted the first (and potentially only ever) Thanksgiving playoff game in league history. I got to cover Tim Howard and two big European moves for Homegrowns. Disappointed neither of those teams made it to an MLS Cup Final.
What were your thoughts on the 2023 season?
Everything that could have gone wrong did. Injuries. Bad luck. Defensive breakdowns. No reliable goalscoring. The team was a predictable sad shell of itself. Robin Fraser getting fired was a bit unfair for me. All this led to a fan walkout with banners in the supporters' section reading "The badge, the fans, the players deserve better." It was rock bottom for the club on and off the field.
What are your hopes for the 2024 season?
For as bad as 2023 was, this past offseason raised the floor and renewed hope. Chris Armas is winning the fanbase over. He's reestablished the culture of teamwork and effort that were a staple of the club in 2016 and 2021. He's won a few games. There were big signings as well. Djordje Mihailovic, Zack Steffen, and the return of Sam Vines were all good moves. If they can just start scoring goals from the run of play, this team will definitely make the playoffs. The vibes are so much better compared to last September.
What do you think will be the deciding factor in Saturday's game?
The field and the Rapids attack against the NYCFC defense. Colorado hasn't been to the Boroughs since 2022. I feel like Western Conference teams struggle in this fixture since they're less used to the dimensions, sightlines, and surface. Chris Armas and Omir Fernandez both should be able to prepare others, though they never played in a Hudson River Derby at Citi Field. I do think the smaller field will suit them when they press and then defend in a compact back four.
Colorado's been dangerous on set pieces. They've drawn penalties. But they haven't been great in possession away from home. NYC's coming off two clean sheets. I gave Matt Freese a vote for MLS Player of the Month yesterday. He's been great. Can the Rapids unlock that defense? If not, can they draw enough set pieces for Mihailovic to convert on a free kick? I'm predicting a 1-1 draw.
And for any fans that might be in Denver for a game in the near future are there any spots you'd suggest they check out?
For the foodies, you have to try Colorado-style Mexican food. Get a burrito smothered with green chili. If you're downtown, I'd go to La Loma or Mexico City Restaurant & Lounge. For South Park fans, the renovated Casa Bonita is up and running. It might be hard to get a reservation on short notice, but as I told Kellyn Acosta in 2018, it's an experience.
If you want to have summer fun in the mountains, you could take a half day trip to Estes Park and see Rocky Mountain National Park. From there, drive south on the Peak to Peak Highway. There's plenty of state parks with easy trails in Evergreen if you want to avoid crowds. There's no wrong answers as long as you drive east of Denver. Enjoy the views. Take your time.
On the one in a million chance Colorado hosts New York City FC in MLS Cup, ski season will have started by December. Arapahoe Basin in Dillon is one of the closer mountains to the Front Range. It's a locals mountain and more affordable than others. The bowls and trees will have more powder than the crud you New Yorkers ski in the Northeast.
