The game in 100 words (or less): Jermaine Jones is a one-man MLS wrecking crew, his new side a guaranteed contender upon arrival, no matter who he’s playing for, apparently. The 34-year-old made his Colorado Rapids debut last weekend in a 2-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls. He made his second Rapids start Saturday night, at home against the Seattle Sounders — and what do you know — the Rapids won by the final score of 3-1, with Jones scoring the game’s opening goal. For those keeping track at home, that’s two goals and an assist in 177 minutes played since serving his six-game suspension to start the season. The Rapids are good. This is a reality we must all now accept, no matter how difficult it may be. Jones is a big part of their rise from the ashes, to be sure, but he’s hardly the only quality player in that side. Pablo Mastroeni is taking this team to the playoffs whether we like it or not.
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Three moments that mattered
20' — Jones heads home to make it 1-0 — Gashi whipped in the free kick, and Jones applied the header from close range — a combination that’s proven ever-dangerous through 110 minutes of Jones’ Rocky Mountain tenure.
.@Jermainejunior again. 1-0 @ColoradoRapids. #COLvSEA https://t.co/BPIdKGGewS
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 24, 2016
52' — Solignac doubles the Rapids’ lead — Mekeil Williams hit the long ball over the top to spring Dominique Badji (who should have been sent off in the 1st minute) down the left flank. Badji crossed for Solignac inside the penalty area and the Argentine made it 2-0.
Now it's two. @ColoradoRapids double their lead vs. Seattle. #COLvSEA https://t.co/WFIJBLsdzk
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 24, 2016
63' — Morris pulls one back for Seattle — Morris had a lot to do ahead of his second goal in as many games: he received the ball from Cristian Roldan’s cross and created the space for the shot all on his own, picking out the far corner expertly. His confidence is growing.
Two in two for @JmoSmooth13. #COLvSEA https://t.co/5HDpRCzgwL
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) April 24, 2016
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Man of the match: Shkelzen Gashi
Goalscorers: Jones (20'), Solignac (52'), Morris (63'), Doyle (86')