Saturday, February 27, 2016

Pre-Game: DDC: Match 4 v Arizona United

by Brendan Wyatt



It’s a busy day for the boys in burgundy as the Desert Diamond Cup is wrapping up.  The Rapids will suit up twice today, the first time is for a scrimmage against Columbus Crew and then at 6:30mst they face off against Arizona United.  Only the later game will be available to catch on the live stream. 
 
It seems only natural that the scrimmage against the Crew would be a bit more MLS like, and the guys who may be slated to start next week in San Jose will get a light run and some touches on the ball.  Meanwhile, the guys who are looking to put pen to paper or the depth players ought to get an extended run tonight as they match up against USL side Arizona United.  

Arizona United is coached by Frank Yallop, yeah that’s right you know that guy.  They may be a USL side, but they took care of FC Tucson 3-1 the same night Sporting KC took three penalties from us.  United may be an up an coming team, but it’s still likely that this match will give the guys who are on the fence an extended run in a game like situation. 

Since we are unable to see the scrimmage against the Crew, the focus turns to the second string, who could we be seeing more of.  Look to see more Dillon Serna, Marlon Hairston, Conor Doyle, and quite possibly Marco Pappa who reportedly has been medically cleared to play; but that doesn't mean he's game fit yet.
   
Sam Cronin will most likely be the captain of the match; Cronin has to sit out the season opener against his former club for having got sent off at the end of last season. That second yellow resulted in yellow card accumulation; adding the penalty to two games missed.  He missed the final game of the season, now he will have to sit out the first, but he will be available for the home opener against LA.

Tonight is the final warm up before the season starts next week in San Jose, for the players, coaches and yes, us the fan.  The last part of the buildup leading into the regular season, are you ready yet?

Predicted Starting XI: Chris Froschauer, Marlon Hairston, Stephen Keel, A.J. Cochran, Marc Burch, Sam Cronin, Brad Spencer, Luis Solignac, Zach Pfeffer, Dillon Serna, Conor Doyle.

No comments:

Post a Comment