Pre-Game: RSL

by Brendan "Dr. Voice" Wyatt

Could tonight’s match between the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake get any bigger? Both teams are fighting to take 1^st place in the Western Conference standings, and the supporters shield. Tied with 17 points each, the Rapids have a game on RSL.  Dallas FC is also tied for 1^st with 17 points and they got Toronto, playing their first game at home this season; good luck.  Take the position in the standings away from the situation and you still have the fact that this is a Rocky Mountain Cup game and with a 0-1-0 record (in the RMC) so far the Rapids must take care of business at home.

 

This is the only time RSL comes to The Dick, both teams are undefeated at home so this game could be the pivotal match in the RMC. Let alone pulling three points away from them in the standings.  A win today for the Pids and the series will go back to Salt Lake tied. At that point Tim Howard will be a part of the squad.  Howard may have the sour end of the bet between him and Nick Rimando, only being able to play in one of the three games; the loser has to pay for the others next tattoo.

 

While Dick’s Sporting Goods Park has been a fortress for the Rapids this season, the burgundy boys are 1-4-2 in their last seven homes games against RSL.  That is only while Pablo has been coach. Some of us know how tough things were back then; the team this year helps put that into perspective.  When you consider the likes of Kevin Doyle, Shkelzen Gashi, Jermaine Jones and Marco Pappa, compare them to who we’ve had in the last… 5 years and what you got is a massive improvement.

 

Speaking of Marco Pappa, while still not 100% there is a chance he will be on the bench.  Not to take some focus away from tonight’s match but there is another one on Wednesday at The Dick against Sporting KC, they could be waiting to put him in then.  It’s my hope that Marco Pappa gets some time in the second half, especially if we are in a must score situation.

 

As far as injuries go, Eric Miller is still out, but he will be joining me for a live interview at the tailgate roughly around 6pm.  There is a good chance Marlon Hairston could get his second start, but my gut says Marc Burch returns to the starting XI, and Mekeil Williams will play out right.  The rest of your Rapids lineup should look like it did last week in Montreal. 

 

Tailgate starts at 4pm, kickoff sometime around 7.  Craft Brew from Blue Spruce Brewing will be on hand, and tickets are still available through C38.  If you haven’t checked out our weekly podcast for more in-depth thoughts and conversation about all things Rapids; go here.

Each game keeps on getting bigger and better, don’t miss out, and bring your mom if you gotta.

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