Friday, June 3, 2011

Colorado Tries To Slice The Union

The injured Rapids take put their 7 game unbeaten run on the line against the Philadelphia Union tomorrow night at the Dick. Of course they haven't won in 5 games, so a draw tomorrow would reportedly set the MLS record with 6 in a row. Kickoff tomorrow is at 7 and in honor of Philly being in town Class VI and the Pid Army will be supplying cheesesteaks at the tailgate. Food starts at 5pm in the normal spot. Those of you unable to come can watch the game on Altitude.

Injury Report:
OUT: FW Macoumba Kandji (L knee ACL tear); MF Joseph Nane (R shoulder strain); DF Marvell Wynne (R hamstring strain)
QUESTIONABLE: FW Omar Cummings (R ankle sprain); FW Caleb Folan (R groin strain); MF Jamie Smith (L calf strain)
PROBABLE: FW Quincy Amarikwa (L ankle sprain); GK Matt Pickens (R groin strain)

Disciplinary Report:
SUSPENDED: MF Brian Mullan (3 games)
SUSPENDED AFTER 2 MORE CAUTIONS: FW Conor Casey; DF Tyrone Marshall; MF Pablo Mastroeni; DF Drew Moor

International Absences: MF Sanna Nyassi (The Gambia)

Ugh, and it gets worse with Drew Moor apparently nursing a hamstring strain of his own. Philly has 7 players questionable or worse so that's something but its still the walking wounded for Colorado. The lineup is going to be even more of a guess than usual, but here we go:

Pickens
Kimura - Palguta - Marshall - Wallace
LaBauex- Mastroeni - Larentowicz - Thompson
Casey - Akpan

Palguta would go to the bench if Moor is good enough to start. Really there aren't that many other choices for our normal 4-4-2 lineup. Between that lineup, the missing players, and the injury report that's every player who's played so far this season.

Key To Look For: No more injuries! We can't take it. Whomever starts better be prepared to go the full 90 because our bench is going to be paper thin.

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal by Casey. The Rapids haven't shown the ability to put a team away in a long time, and with the injury report I don't see that changing. Colorado will take the lead but give it back. Our defense is strong enough, with the altitude, to prevent a loss but our offense won't be able to get a win.

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