Pre-Game: NYRB

by Brendan "Dr. Voice" Wyatt

Remember Snow Clasico? I do.  I remember the hype of the storm leading up to it.  The debates on if the game was to be postponed or not.  I remember waking up that day, looking out my back door at a wet, but non snow covered yard.  I remember thinking that they made it sound like this massive blizzard; one for the century was coming yet there was no snow.

 

Three years, Jermaine Jones, and a few seasons to forget later we are in the same debacle.  Difference is; it’s a league game instead of a US Mens Qualifier.  The chance of a league game being postponed due to severe weather is much greater than a World Cup Qualifier.  Last year the Rapids had a game called for rain under a tornado warning in Kansas City.  The Rapids played that game later in the season, which turned out to be their first win in KC in over a decade. 

 

I woke up this morning to a very wet and muddy pasture, angry horses who wanted nothing to do with their blankets, and a 14 year old daughter who didn’t prepare to play a game this morning.  The news once again had us fooled, to an extent.  The storm still can do some damage, but maybe not where I live.

Looking to tonight’s match against NYRB there is a lot to look forward to if you’re a Rapids fan.  First and in most cases the most important is the return of Jermaine Jones.  His return to the pitch that is; it will be his debut in burgundy though.  Secondly, as of 6am Kevin Doyle is still scheduled to join myself and the rest of the Voice of C38 crew at the tailgate for an exclusive interview with a photo and autograph opportunity.  Don’t let Bronco fan show you up, they wouldn’t miss a tailgate, or a game, so if you have tickets or were planning on going don’t let the weather stop you.  Finally, to face NYRB now, early in the season while they are struggling to find an identity is ideal.  New York Red Bulls have struggled when coming to Colorado, having tied or lost since 2007.  Once again, to play one of the top Eastern Conference teams with the elements and altitude in our favor would be helpful.

Injuries to the Rapids squad mean that there could be some juggling of the lineup. Not to mention that the since Jermaine Jones is now available that someone from previous starting XI’s will have to make way for #13.  Who will that be?  Dillon Powers was tested last night to determine the severity of his hamstring concern, if he is not a go there could be a few midfield options Coach Pablo could use.  The mention of Jones playing at center back was somewhat dismissed by Pab’s yesterday in an interview.  He didn’t say it wasn’t possible, but he did say that he and Jones would prefer to have him in the midfield.  Knowing Axel Sjoberg is a no go due to his hamstring concern does leave a hole in the back line, but we will probably see Eric Miller or Mekeil Williams (who has previously stated he prefers to play CB) at center back. 

 

The burgundy boys are feeling the good vibes from an impressive and albeit needed win and wants to stick it to NYRB.  Protect “The Dick”. It’s not just the Rapids who are doing their part, but it’s also us, the 12^th man.  What made Snow Clasico so awesome wasn’t just the game, but it was the fans and the weather combined.  As a friend of mine said “those who were there seem to wear it like a badge”, and we do, it was an experience of a lifetime, just because tonight is a league game doesn’t mean that the experience won’t be the same.

 

Bundle up.  Choose your poison wisely, the Voice crew plans on Irish coffee and Hot Chocolate, holding a frosty brew may not be the best choice.  Our scarfs will come in handy, and some people wrap themselves in their flags instead of blankets.  Whatever you must do to be a part of tonights events, do it, the burgundy boys need you.  Three points are on the line, 6 out of a possible 9. A win could see the Rapids jump in the standings and land us just under Oscar’s FC Dallas.

   

7pm kickoff, 4pm tailgate, 5:30pm Kevin Doyle appearance, what else do you need to enhance your soccer experience?

Predicted starting XI: Zac MacMath; Mekeil Williams, Eric Miller, Bobby Burling, Marc Burch; Jermaine Jones, Michael Azira; Dom Badji, Marco Pappa, Shkelzen Gashi; Luis Solignac.