Uganda Cranes’ midfielder Micheal Azira and compatriot Sam Cronin at Colorado Rapids have been tipped to shine at the club ahead of the new Major League Soccer season in the United States.
Rapids open with New England Revolution in three days time and according to Burgundy Wave’s preview, the defensive midfield is expected to thrive at all costs.
“That core: Zac MacMath and Tim Howard at GK; Marc Burch, Axel Sjoberg, Jared Watts and Eric Miller on the defensive line; Sam Cronin and Micheal Azira at defensive midfielder; were the best in MLS last year, conceding only 32 goals all season,” the site explained.
“Even better: they only conceded seven goals at home. If DSGP was a fortress, then the six-yard box was an unlockable safe, forged of adamantium, protected by magic spells and legions of beserkers conjured from the depths of hell.”
The statistics of 2016 reveal Azira led all MLS midfielders in 104 interceptions, clearances with 58 and was 6th in tackles with 83.
Sam Cronin was second in clearances among midfielders with 53, and was top-12 in MLS in recoveries and blocks. He was also one of the team’s most reliable passers out of the midfield for the team.
“The fear of regression” could hurt Rapid’s defense according site but if all goes well, Rapids could stand out as a force to reckon with this season. Rapids will be at home against the New England Revolution.
