Pre-Game: @ Vancouver

by Brendan Wyatt

The Colorado Rapids make their first trip to Vancouver, where they have won just two times in seven visits.  Last year the home team won leaving the Rapids 2-1 against the Whitecaps.  This year the burgundy boys will be heading to the great white north twice, so 3 points tonight may mean more than just your everyday away game.

 

Both teams are rebounding off a disappointing result last week, the ‘Caps lost to LA 2-0, while the Rapids drew at home in front of what may be the largest crowd of the season.  Who will bounce back stronger, and smarter?

Kevin Doyle mentioned in an interview that teams are starting to finally take notice.  Since the US Open Cup game against Colorado Springs, opponents have found that if you put ten guys behind the ball, you might come away with a point.  This is the result of “ugly” soccer, but those fans with elephant like memories will recall this happened to them in 2010, difference is; the Rapids played with two strikers up top. 

 

Now playing in the 4-2-3-1 formation, it’s more defensive and Kevin Doyle has to work twice as hard to get quality touches.  Sam Cronin and Michael Azira have formed a duo that is hard to beat; it’s up to Jermaine Jones, and Shkelzen Gashi to up their game to send quality service Doyle’s way. 

A win for the Rapids will not put them above FC Dallas in the standings, only because (prior to kickoff) Dallas has played 20 games, while the Rapids have played 17.  That’s a potential gap of 9 points that the Rapids must earn if they want to stay in the run for the Supporters Shield.

 

As for the Whitecaps, they sit in sixth place with 24 points.  For them, it’s about placing higher than their Cascadia counterparts.  Frasier Aird is still out with an injury, and they sent Octavio Rivero to Chile, freeing up a DP slot as well as an international roster spot.  Rapids may cringe when they hear that Blas Perez could start.  Chances are it will be the youngster Erik Hurtado, but it’s Pedro Morales who is the threat with six goals and four assists.  That means that whoever is on that right side will have their work cut out for them.

 

As for the Rapids game changer, Marco Pappa, I don’t expect him to start.  BC Place is a turf field and with rumors of him still not at 100%, leaves me to believe he may come off the bench to provide a change in pace later on in the game.

 

Remember, this is an away match on the west coast so kickoff will be at 8pm.  If you are looking to get out and watch the game, there will be away viewing parties at Blue Spruce Brewing and Wonderland Brewery.  If it’s too late for you to hit up the pub, then look to trusty Altitude for coverage of the game.

 

It should be mentioned that Vancouver has one of the worst defenses in the league, but has an ability to score goals.  This match could open up the floodgates for the Rapids, it may not be the ugly soccer we’ve been seeing as of late, but then again, I could be wrong.

Predicted starting XI: Tim Howard, Eric Miller, Axel Sjoberg, Jared Watts, Mekeil Williams.  Sam Cronin, Michael Azira, Marlon Hairston, Jermaine Jones, Shkelzen Gashi, Kevin Doyle.