Most of us have a game or two circled on the calendar for
when the Rapids play against someone.
Sometimes it’s an away game, maybe you got family there and catching a Rapids
game is a bonus. Sometimes it’s a home
game and maybe you’re a transplant and part of you still has love for your hometown. Tonight the Rapids face off at home against
Orlando City FC, while I was born in Colorado, raised under the purple
mountains majesty, I matured in Orlando.
Last year was a fun experience going to the tourist capitol
of the US; the OCSC supporters were great hosts and I spent three days playing
at Universal. I had this game circled
since the release of the schedule, anxious to return the favor. While the experience was a fun one, the
Rapids lost. Part of returning the favor
would be if the Rapids win.
The roster is fairly different than the one the Rapids had
near the end of June last year. There
was no Tim Howard; there was no Gashi or Pappa.
Marlon Hairston was in Charlotte, Eric Miller was in Montreal and
Michael Azira was in Seattle. All of
those guys have been a key part as to why the Rapids are where they are in the
standings.
Sitting in second place in the West with 42 points and a
game in hand on Dallas the Rapids are on track for their best season ever. Meanwhile OCSC who sits in 7th in
the east, is sliding. Having mutually
parting ways with former head coach Adrain Heath, the Lions brought in Jason Kreis. They lost Darwin Ceren and Kaka has been inconsistently
healthy, but Cyle Larin continues to score.
Earlier this week I was a part of a match preview show hosted
by one of the OCSC supporters and one of the topics were projected lineups. While the Orlando guys went through their
lineup, I couldn’t help but feel like this could be the game that the Rapids
break out as far as offense. OCSC’s
roster reminds me a bit of the Rapids roster of old. A few named guys who you hope can carry the
team, while the bulk of it is filled with bench players and up and coming
youngsters.
OCSC is tied for 3rd worst defense in the league,
with Vancouver; who we took care of three weeks ago at home. Although the Orlando defense is one that
scares OCSC fans, they told me that our offense doesn’t scare them. From the eyes of a Lion’s fan, getting past
our defense is what they fear the most. As they should be, the Rapids defense
is still the best in the league, but to not fear our offense makes a little bit
of a statement to me. If the Rapids want
to be serious contenders for the MLS Cup, they have to be feared on both
fronts; offense and defense.
Shkelzen Gashi is two for two when playing as the number ten
in Pablo’s 4-2-3-1 formation. With Michael Azira healthy and clear of
suspension could Pablo put him back outside and slide Dillon Powers back to the
offensive mid? MLS Soccer has it
projected that way, but I don’t want that, do you? The Rapids will want to clog up the middle,
and take Rickey (Kaka) out of the game.
Rumor has it that OCSC will want to play wide, not taking Eric Miller
and Marc Burch seriously. They want to
get balls into the box, forgetting that Bobby Burling is 6’5 and Axel Sjoberg
is 6’7. Not to mention Tim frigging
Howard is the commander and chief in the 18 yard box.
The Rapids are home, facing off against a defense that has
holes. As long as the burgundy boys play their game, there is a good chance at
three points tonight. Just like the
twelve games before, the 12th man will be vital to helping the Rapids
bag a win. As well as maintaining possession, remaining strong in the defense
and finishing in the final third.
It’s not likely that we will see the return of Jermaine Jones. While it’s no secret that the team hasn’t been the same since July 4th,
they can still prevail as long as they don’t play on their heels. Sebastian Le Toux could make his first start
in burgundy since joining the team at the end of the transfer window. There are options as far as what Coach Pablo could
use as far as going on the offensive, but will he go on the attack or stick
with the defensive strategy that has been somewhat working all season long?
It’s military appreciation night tonight, so thank a vet and
applaud Joe Greenspan. That also means
that all hands on deck for the Rapids staff and players which means for the
first time all season The Voice of C38 kegcast won’t be visited by a player or
a member of the FO. That doesn’t mean
that the tailgate won’t be hopping though.
The kegs are tapped at 4pm, bring a friend, there are still some tickets
available.
Cheers to the vets, and here’s to hoping for 3 points
against a struggling defense and the possibility of catching up to Dallas.
Predicted starting XI: Tim Howard, Eric Miller, Bobby
Burling, Axel Sjoberg, Marc Burch. Sam Cronin, Michael Azira, Sebastian Le
Toux, Shkelzen Gashi, Marlon Hairston, Kevin Doyle.
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