A Ton of Numbers. Sorry.

By: Kyle | May 31st, 2008

There are games, and then there are big games. Sunday, the Rapids have big game. There are two (maybe three) Western Conference powers this year and they meet Sunday at Dick’s.

Let’s look at the numbers: Dallas is a very average club. Their goal scoring average is 0.05 under the league average of 1.45. Their goal allowance average is 0.05 over that same average. The Rapids on the other hand have averages better then the league average, albeit not by as much as they were earlier in the season. These two clubs are fairly similar statistically. It’s also worth noting that accounting for the extra game Dallas has had this year, the Rapids are actually ahead of them on the table. Dallas has a Win Percentage of 0.433 whereas the Rapids have 0.444. These clubs are also very similar in that respect.

The fact that the Rapids are so close with Dallas in Win Percentage is a very good sign if the first nine games are any indication. Dallas currently has a 0.433 record. Against clubs that have a lower record then that, the Rapids are 0.333. Against opponents with a better record, the Rapids are 0.667. I don’t know for sure what that means, but it seems to indicate that Colorado tends to underestimate bad clubs, but against good or average clubs, they do well.

Of course, all of these numbers are only worth so much, and what will really matter is if the Rapids can get their passing under control. I would look for a four man midfield on Sunday because, thinking like Fernando, passing usually improves with a less cluttered midfield. I’m not sure clutter was the problem last week, but it’s worth a shot if that’s what he concludes.

Oh, and Preston is getting his first league start between the posts this week, so let’s keep an eye back there.