Pre-game: Philadelphia Union

by Brendan "Dr. Voice" Wyatt

It’s pretty fun being a Rapids fan when your team is not only winning, but when every game seems to get bigger and bigger.  Who would have thought that tonight’s match between the Philadelphia Union and the Colorado Rapids would be a battle of 1^st place teams.  The Rapids have 27 points in 13 games played, while the Union sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with 19 points after 12 games played. 

 

Both teams are enjoying a wonderful turnaround compared to last season.  The Rapids are riding the wave of an eight game unbeaten streak, with a 6-0 record so far at home.  I must emphasize here that the fans have played a part in protecting The Dick, and we must keep the streak. Keep fighting.  The Union is marching on a six game unbeaten streak. They did just play on Wednesday and could have some tired legs, and at altitude one can hope that plays to the Rapids advantage.

 

The all-time match-up between these teams seems to favor the away team though.  With a record of 4-3-4 against Philly, the Rapids have only beaten them once here at home.  Philly has just one win here at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, tonight we can root our boys on to help keep it that way. Both teams have had a tough go at away games so far this season; the Rapids have the edge here.  The Rapids are 2-2-3 so far on the road while Philly is 1-3-2.

 

There are some notable absences due to international duty.  The burgundy boys are without Jermaine Jones and Shkelzen Gashi.  Kevin Doyle was given the go to stay behind and play for his club before joining up with Ireland for Euros.  As for Philly, goalkeeper Andre Blake will join Jamaica after the game tonight so they won’t be missing any key players.  That means that C.J. Sapong and Tranquillo Barnetta are going to have to be contained, but don’t worry we do have the best defense in the league.  The Rapids have allowed just 9 goals so far this season; the next best team has our good ole pal’s Clint Irwin and Drew Moor in Toronto, they have 12.

 

This is the last home game for a while.  So show up early and be prepared to get loud.  The International break has the schedule cleared until June 18^th.  There may be an US Open Cup game thrown in there at some point.  The Switchbacks, that team in the Springs, are looking like the Rapids first opponent in that tournament. 

 

Tailgate starts at 4pm.  The beer is from Blue Spruce Brewing, that’s right, no cheap watered down corporate beer these are kegs of quality craft brew with the Brew Masters manning the kegs.  Tickets still available if your friends need tickets, just hit up the donation tent at the tailgate.  Kickoff is at 7pm, if you are out of town, or can’t make the game you can find it on Altitude TV. 

 

Predicted starting XI: Zac MacMath; Mekeil Williams, Bobby Burling, Axel Sjoberg, Marc Burch; Sam Cronin, Michael Azira; Dillon Serna, Dillon Powers, Luis Solignac; Kevin Doyle.