Friday, May 23, 2014

Rapids Try For Hat-Trick Against Canucks

I'm French!  Why do you think I have this outrageous accent?

The Montreal Impact make only their second-ever trip to Colorado this week.  The last time they were here we got a wind-assisted goal late for the winner and with the weather we've had this week we could see something similar tomorrow.  This will be a "send-off" game for both Torres and Brown as they will join their National Teams for their friendlies in the next couple of weeks, rejoining the Rapids for the June 7th game in Dallas.  Game time tomorrow is 7pm so the tailgate starts at 4pm.  'Celo and Fleming will have the call on Altitude.

Injury Report:
OUT: M Brian Mullan (L knee surgery); F Vicente Sanchez (L knee injury); D Grant Van De Casteele (concussion)

No official injury report update since last week, but we can be pretty sure that even if healthy Mullan and VDC won't factor into the game.  Sanchez is at best Questionable but will probably not be in the 18.  Torres has been ruled out as well, while Burch, Sturgis, and Agbossoumonde have all been reported as doubtful.  Not good.  Meanwhile Montreal had 4 players listed as questionable on the last injury report.  My guess at the XI:

Again, these seem like the obvious choices but Pablo has yet to do anything obvious this year.  with Burch out the only other possible defender is Wynne, and with Sturgis injured its only Eloundou that might have a shot at starting.  I'd be shocked if anyone but Brown and Buddle started up front.

Strategic Consideration: Score!  More than once!  At this point we just need some striker to get on track.

Prediction: 2-1 win, goals by Brown and Serna.  Montreal is a bad team that's old and playing at altitude.  If we can't win this game we might as well punt on the season.  Somebody will screw up and give up a goal but Montreal will fade late and the Rapids will get the winner.

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