Friday, April 11, 2014

Colorado Attempts To Do Something They've Never Done

Rapids @BMO, 0 points, 1 trophy

A second trip to the Great White North in a row as the Rapids are in Toronto tomorrow.  Colorado has never even drawn TFC in Toronto, must less beat them, but despite that it is the scene of our greatest triumph as it was there we won MLS Cup 2010.  Tomorrow's game is at 2pm on Altitude, with the main C38 watch party being at The Armoury.

Injury Report:
OUT: M Brian Mullan (L knee surgery)
QUESTIONABLE: D Chris Klute (R hamstring strain); D Dillon Serna (L ankle sprain)

Unavailable:
M Vicente Sanchez (Wife overdue and could go into labor at any point so he did not travel)

Toronto is hurting, already ruing out DP Jermain Defoe along with 3 others and 4 more players are questionable including DP Michael Bradley who is expected to be a game-time decision.  Tomorrow's lineup is hard to predict as Pablo could do any number of things given the availability of players, but here's my guess:

I think Pablo will go back to the main 4-2-3-1 he's been using this season, with perhaps Sturgis in for LaBrocca.  Piermayr traveled to Austria this week to finalize some of his work visa paperwork, he's supposed to be back for the game but I doubt he starts.  We could see Torres back up front with Hill or Eloundou in midfield as well.

Strategic Consideration: Michael Bradley.  My bet is that he plays, and Jose Mari is going to have his work cut out for him if he does.  So far he appears to be the best player in MLS this year.

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal by Torres.  If Bradley doesn't play we could have a shot at a win, but I feel like a draw is more likely either way.  Torres finally gets on the scoreboard for the season and the Rapids get their first point in Toronto.

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