Pre-Game: Seattle

by Brendan "Dr. Voice" Wyatt

One week after Snow Classico redux and it’s upwards of 70 degrees and sunny.  If you are surprised, then welcome to Colorado. If weather has any hindrance on tonight’s match against Seattle, it will be the wind.  Otherwise expect a good night as far as Mother Nature is concerned. 

 

The Rapids are holding on to a three game win streak at home, undefeated so far this season and look to make it four in a row.  The Sounders haven’t lost in three games (2-0-1) and while some say they are struggling, not losing three in a row is not an easy feat.  The Rapids overall record against Seattle is 3-13-2; it’s a tall mountain to climb to .500.  Tonight the Rapids have a good chance at bagging three points which could become vital three month from now. 

The burgundy boys are without Marco Pappa though.  Pappa leads the team in points and assists making his loss to the lineup crucial. Next man up in this case is most likely Dom Badji, having scored against New York Red Bulls last week.  Badji could have had a hat trick coming off the bench, with one shot hitting the post and a header saved by Luis Robles that left us all breathless.  Axel Sjoberg may also return to the lineup since recovering from a hamstring injury.  Kevin Doyle may also be included in the first team 18 after returning to full training earlier this week.

We should expect a tight midfield battle and with Jermaine Jones returning to the #10 role, we should expect to see him all over the pitch.  The trick is to contain or isolate Jordan Morris, and to keep Clint Dempsey off his game. 

 

Tailgate starts at 4pm and I'll be conducting a live interview with Marlon Hairston around 5:30. Game coverage is on Altitude and C38 still has tickets available.  Rapids games are starting to become “don’t miss” situations with Jermaine Jones, Kevin Doyle, and in the future Tim Howard.  We have players who are worth the price of admission to see play and tonight two USMNT members face off against each other.

 

Predicted starting XI: Zac MacMath; Eric Miller, Bobby Burling, Axel Sjoberg, Mekeil Williams; Sam Cronin, Michael Azira; Dom Badji, Jermaine Jones, Shkelzen Gashi; Luis Solignac.