Saturday, August 20, 2016

Pre-Game: Orland City




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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