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SBI MLS Rookie of the Week: Dillon Powers

DillonPowersGoal (Getty)

By IVES GALARCEP

The Colorado Rapids are in the midst of a youth movement, driven in part by a rash of injuries, but also by the quality of a strong crop of rookies who have impressed head coach Oscar Pareja enough to earn regular playing time.

Dillon Powers is one of those players and the former Notre Dame midfielder has stepped in and become an integral part of the Rapids midfield. His recent efforts have been key to the team’s improving results and his latest performance in the team’s 1-0 win against Real Salt Lake earned him SBI MLS Rookie of the Week honors for the second time this year.

Aside from being called for a very weak penalty foul on Kyle Beckerman (which led to Clint Irwin’s penalty kick save of an Alvaro Saborio attempt), Powers enjoyed another steady outing in midfield, helping the Rapids neutralize RSL and limit their chances despite an edge in possession.

Powers beat out a field of candidates that included Vancouver’s Erik Hurtado and teammate Deshorn Brown for this week’s nod in a light week for rookie action in MLS.

What did you think of Powers’ performance vs. RSL? What rookie impressed you in MLS this past weekend?

Share your thoughts below.

Comments

    • As a Rapids fan, he’s impressive on the ball, and the team’s been looking to him as their #1 outlet under pressure. He’s been a pleasure to watch. He is a rookie, so I would expect some flat games at some point, but he’s looking like he will establish himself in MLS.

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      • Also, Brown will probably break through and bag himself a brace and a ROW sometime this year. He’s 3rd in the league in shots behind Wondo & Henry, with a respectable 8 on goal. Just 1 goal & 1 very nice assist so far, but there’s a lot more to come from this kid.

      • Agreed. A slew of people really critized the Rapids selection of Powers at #11 in the SuperDraft. I couldn’t understand if it was due to the Rapids having too many midfielders or because his play, according to some, tailed off between his Jr. and Sr. seasons at Notre Dame. Whatever the case, he’s been pretty good — not spectacular but consistent. He’s mature beyond his expereince and unless someone pinted it out to you, you would not suspect he’s a Rookie. there is room to grow but if the first 5 games are any indication, Powers will take that opportunity and run. Now if we can just get Cascio out of his Sophomore slump!!!

      • Cascio has actually be fairly contributory with the Rapids. No goals or assists yet, but he has shown good ball holding, runs, and willingness to shoot. I would say that he does need to keep his head up more to look for that play making, but I think he is still developing and he will be a long time CO contributor.

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