Photo by Isaiah J. Downing/USA TODAY Sports
By RYAN TOLMICH
Facing off with two of the league’s most dominant sides within a space of three days, Axel Sjoberg’s baptism by fire continued this past week.
The hulking centerback passed the test with flying colors, playing 90 minutes in back-to-back draws to earn SBI MLS Rookie of the Week.
Tasked with taking on the New York Red Bulls and LA Galaxy just days apart, Sjoberg helped anchor a Rapids back line that put together back to back 1-1 results away from home. With a combined six interceptions in the two games, Sjoberg showed poise in limiting two of the league’s more high-powered offenses to just penalty-kick and corner-kick finishes.
Sjoberg’s role in what turned out to be a pair of strong defensive performances earned the Rapids defender SBI MLS Rookie of the Week, beating out Sean Davis, Fatai Alashe and Matt Polster for this week’s honors.
What did you think of Sjoberg’s performances? Which rookie stood out to you this past weekend?
Share your thoughts below.
The sad part is we are last in the West, but would be in the playoff hunt if we were in the East. Even though my dream of 0-0-34 with no goals scored for or against has died, I think my Rapids will end with more draws than wins or losses.
I was impressed by Sjoberg’s performance against RBNY. He’s absolutely enormous – 6’7″ but not spindly like Peter Crouch. He was helped by RBNY constantly lumping long balls forward to BWP, who’s a foot shorter but still, I thought he did pretty well.
Agreed. He had a good week.