COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – He may not have scored himself, but with a hand in all three of the Colorado Rapids’ goals in their 3-1 victory over Real Salt Lake on Saturday night, Rapids striker Charles Eloundou was the difference-maker the club envisioned he would be.
“Charles’ performance spoke for itself. I said to him that I feel that he’s matured tremendously,” Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni said postgame. “He’s been a great teammate waiting for his opportunity. Tonight he came in and really sparked the group. It could’ve have happened to a guy that’s more patient and team oriented.”
The Rapids likewise showed great patience in acquiring Eloundou, waiting months before acquiring him late in the 2013 season. After seeing limited time over the past two seasons, including a loan spell in Charlotte earlier in the year, the ability to contribute in a tangible manner was like a dream come true for the 20-year-old.
“I feel very happy to help my team and do a good job for my teammates,” Eloundou said. “It was a dream moment for me to give two assists.”
Eloundou’s first assist came on a corner, leveling the score at 1-1 in the 81st minute after Sebastian Jaime put RSL in front two minutes prior.
“When we scored the goal I said ‘Let’s go for it’,” Mastroeni said. “We were in a situation to win.”
Jared Watts, another up-and-comer in Colorado’s lineup, was thankful for the Cameroonian's performance as he put the Rapids ahead in the 91st minute on a rebound when Eloundou’s shot hit the far post.
“It was awesome; being in the right place at the right time,” Watts said of the goal. “You’ve got to give credit to Charles on that play, putting a shot off the post. That’s what this game is all about. Bounces come our way, and we’re getting results.”
Colorado’s late attacking push came as a bit of a surprise. Mastroeni started the game with the same three-pronged attacking combo, made up of Luis Solignac, Kevin Doyle and Vicente Sanchez, that he used in Colorado's last game. The trio produced chances, but it was super subs Eloundou and Juan Ramirez, who subbed in for an injured Solignac (hamstring) to score Colorado’s third goal in extratime, who found success on Saturday.
With multiple cylinders clicking, Mastroeni now has a wealth of options to choose from as the team continues its transition to an attack minded 4-3-3 formation.
“There’s going to be a lot of options but it’s important that we do it the right way and do it together and whoever is called upon goes in and performs,” he explained. “I want to keep consistency in the lineup as much as we can. We haven’t been able to do that for a whole host of reasons. It’s beginning to come together and guys believe they can score goals from dangerous areas.”
A home win over their Rocky Mountain Cup rivals brought back a feeling not experienced in Commerce City since April of 2013.
Said Mastroeni: “To me it was one of the best wins I’ve had as a coach and possibly as a player against our biggest rival.”
Marco Cummings covers the Colorado Rapids for MLSsoccer.com.
