Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Undermanned Rapids Head North Of The Border

Whitecaps - Rapids, wettest fixture in the league

After the international break the Rapids are off for international travel to British Columbia.  Over the last two years the Rapids are 4-0-0 against the Whitecaps in Colorado but 0-0-1 in Vancouver.  Both teams will be weakened by international callups and suspensions.  Game time tomorrow is 8pm and 'Celo and Fleming will have the call on Altitude.

Injury Report:
OUT: D Jared Watts; F Luis Solignac (hamstring)

Discipline:
SUSPENDED: D Drew Moor (yellow card accumulation); D Axel Sjoberg (yellow card accumulation)
ONE YELLOW FROM SUSPENSION: D Jared Watts; M Lucas Pittinari (2 games left for good behavior reduction)
TWO YELLOWS FROM SUSPENSION: D James Riley; M Sam Cronin; F Kevin Doyle

International Absences:
Honduras: D Maynor Figueroa
Ireland: F Kevin Doyle
U.S. U-23: M Dillon Serna

Vancouver is down 8 players between injuries, suspension, and international callups.  This is really going to be a battle of the B teams.  My guess at ours: 

I know Sanchez doesn't usually play on turf but with the number of other missing players I'm hoping he can go.

Strategic Consideration: Keep the momentum from the KC game going.  It will be difficult with our missing players but stay aggressive, push the attack, and keep rolling.

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal by Powers.  This will probably be some rough soccer with the missing players.  Turf and travel will favor Vancouver but the Rapids defense should be up to the task to hold them to a goal.  The same will go in reverse though.

No comments: