Pre-Game: @ DC United

by Brendan "Dr. Voice" Wyatt

Can the Rapids take the momentum to DC and grab three points from a slightly banged up United team?  DC is down to their third string goalkeeper Travis Worra, and Fabian Espindola is questionable with a hamstring injury.  They lost Perry Kitchen in the offseason, and while they may have picked up Marcello Sarvas has there been enough time for Sarvas and fellow newcomer Lamar Neagle to gel?

While The Voice of C38 has discussed the road advantages in our podcasts, the Rapids have not fared well in DC posting a 3-12-5 record at RFK Stadium.  Overall the burgundy boys are 13-18-9 against the black and red but as we’ve said many times this year, this Rapids squad is different, it’s better.  The last time the Rapids won in DC was 2010, if you are looking for that kind of omen.  

As for the men who will line up against DC, there will be a couple changes to the lineup we saw last Saturday.  Shkelzen Gashi picked up a one match ban for entering the field after Marco Pappa’s goal last week, yes I know that’s a bit bunk; a celebration is seen as more violent than an elbow to the face behind the play.  It’s possible we could see Marco Pappa start, the chances are better for this game than they have been previously.  The only concern here is, without Gashi, will Coach Pablo keep big papa on the bench one more game?

The fundamentals behind the style of play that the Rapids use are improving each week.  Averaging close to 80% passing in the last two games and 58% possession all that is left to do is dominate in the finishing part of the game.  Confidence can take a team a long way. What better way to build on that than a win this week against a team that can’t find their identity yet.  This is the only match against the Eastern Conference DC United, and so the three points here could be vital later on in the season. 

 

Predicted starting XI: Zac MacMath, Mekeil Williams, Jared Watts, Axel Sjoberg, Marc Burch, Sam Cronin, Michael Azira, Dom Badji, Dillon Powers, Dillon Serna, Kevin Doyle

If you can get out to go catch the game, there are a few C38 viewing parties that may be in your area:

Southside Bar (3014 E Colfax) run by our very own Dave Cleland.

Blue Spruce Brewing (4151 E County Line Rd) provider of the beer at our tailgates where you can party with Austin "Drunken Monk" Mais .

Copper Rail (174 Main St) our trialist where you can meet Brendan "Dr. Voice" Wyatt.