Pre-Game: @ C-Bus

by Brendan "Dr. Voice" Wyatt

A month ago the Rapids took three points from Sporting KC, in Kansas City.  Only one time since then has the burgundy boys had to travel for a match, the 2-2 draw in Montreal.  With a 1-2-2 record away from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park it’s almost as if the Rapids haven’t played many away games compared to the 6-0 record at home.  Not true, today’s match versus Columbus Crew is the sixth away match for the Rapids, funny what a difference that first number in the record can make on hindsight. 

 

In case you missed the big MLS transfer news, Kei Kamara was traded to New England for a bunch of picks from next year, and the following drafts.  General allocation money, targeted allocation money, New England's highest first round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2017, New England's highest second round MLS SuperDraft pick in 2018, international roster spot for 2016 to be exact.

The trade opens up the door for ex Rapid and Colorado boy Conor Casey to start against his former club. The Casey/Sjoberg match up could be a fun one to watch, quite the opposite from watching Axel and Dom Dwyer on Wednesday. As for who else on Columbus’s roster that the Rapids should focus on is Will Trapp, Federico Higuain and Ethan Finlay are a group of midfielders that Michael Azira and Sam Cronin will have to work hard to contain.

Subtle remarks made by Crew players and staff could lead one to think that the style of play will be choppy as the Crew look to disrupt Colorado’s momentum and keep them from playing the type of soccer we are getting used to.  This could be a mirror of the San Jose match at the beginning of the season, one point might feel worth the fight by the end of 90+ minutes.

On a side of caution, Jermaine Jones did leave the game on Wednesday with rubber legs, as fans we can only hope that he has gotten adequate rest and is ready to give the Rapids at least another 65 minutes or so.  Shkelzen Gashi is expected to return to the starting lineup after coming down with a little bug earlier in the week.  Hopefully a rested Gashi will be the extra spark the boys will need to dictate play in front of Columbus’s 18 yard box. 

 

With this match being the third in a week I would be surprised if Gashi is the only change in the lineup, but it could happen.  Unlike last year, Coach Pablo has kept his squad mostly intact during the multi game weeks.  Possible changes could be made in the back; Eric Miller could return giving either Marc Burch or Mekeil Williams a rest after running up and down the sidelines on Wednesday.  Other than that, Dillion Powers could replace Luis Solignac, but something tells me Lucho is still in good form and will make the starting XI.

The Rapids won the last time they traveled to Ohio, although it was the first time in the last seven attempts.  In the past the Rapids have not done too well against teams from the east, but again this is a different rapids team, and records are meant to be broken.

 

This is a 5:30 kickoff, so remember to set your DVR if you must.  Away viewing parties are scattered across the metro area;  Blue Spruce Brewing on the south side, The Celtic Tavern downtown, and Wonderland Brewing up north.

 

It’s been said a strong record at home allows for a single point on the road. The Rapids have set themselves up to be in a good position to grind out a point today, but of course we want three to keep the unbeaten streak going, keep fighting.

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