By DAN KARELL
With multiple starters out of the lineup, including their leading scorer and provider from last season, the Colorado Rapids needed someone to step up for their match against Portland.
On Saturday, that someone was Dillon Powers.
The Notre Dame product scored on a blast from more than 30 yards away in the 18th minute to give the host Rapids a 1-0 lead. Colorado wound up tying Portland, but the goal and overall performance by Powers earned him SBI MLS Rookie of the Week honors.
It was a close race in MLS Week Five, with Powers edging out Carlos Alvarez of Chivas USA, Devon Sandoval of Real Salt Lake, and Andrew Farrell of New England for this week’s nod.
Powers was the 11th player taken in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, after the Rapids first pick at number six, where they took forward Deshorn Brown. Colorado traded up to get the 11th pick, where they took Powers, who is slowly becoming an integral piece of their starting eleven in central midfield.
What did you think of Powers performance? Which rookie impressed you the most in MLS Week Five?
Share your thoughts below.