An IMOTGP Report: Why is Colorado any Good?

Defend Our Dick's!

Football fans know that the IMOTGP blog covers some of the hottest stories in the sport. Whether it's an appraisal of Pep Guardiola, a humourous Liverpool FC video or an interview with obscure English star Calum Angus, you can find it here.

We have often been criticized for our lack of coverage of the United States' MLS, which is why your humble blogger decided to head for the mountains to see the best team in MLS this season - the surprising Colorado Rapids. We decided to do that when we weren't busy doing other things like rock climbing or eating overrated local Mexican food.

What resulted was a 1-0 victory for Colorado over Sporting Kansas City.  The Rapids drew at Columbus 1-1 this past weekend and we have some insight as to why they are any good - relative to MLS.

1. Jermaine Jones is still an above-average MLS player, sad to say. Sure he's a weirdo but Jones sure fits the part in Colorado. He's absolutely toying with the losers of the league and it's clear that - brace yourselves - Jurgen Klinsmann has big plans for the German in Copa Centenario.

2. The best defense in MLS. The centerback pairing of Swedish star Axel Sjoberg and Colorado native Bobby Burling has started together eight times. The Rapids have conceded a league-low nine goals and the 42 shots on goal allowed are second-best to D.C. United. Zac MacMath has been solid and many supporters are wondering why this English Premier League reject has signed on. Credit Pablo Mastroeni for building the club's defensive identity.

3. Gashi is gashing them. We didn't see Shkelzen Gashi in mid-week but the Albanian's form has been superb and he assisted on Kevin Doyle's goal over the weekend. With Gashi, Doyle and Jones, the Rapids have a solid but unspectacular trio of foreigners who know how to mount a quality attack. You should know that such a sub-Europa League triumvirate is all it takes at the MLS level.

4. DEFEND OUR DICK'S! This family-friendly slogan just about says it all. The Rapids have won all six home games and while Dick's Sporting Goods Park doesn't resemble a fortress, it's an uncomfortable enough environment for visiting teams. Almost as uncomfortable as the fan chant 'Defend Our Dick's!' Say it with us now!

Do you think Colorado will keep up this pace?  Is Jermaine Jones the best player on the United States team? How much of a fool is Jurgen Klinsmann?  Leave your comments below.