Pre-Game: Vancouver part Le Toux

by Brendan Wyatt 

Ah, Gameday at last.  There is a part of me that blacked out last week’s performance in New York, so in a way it seems like it’s been more than a week since we’ve seen our burgundy boys play.  It could also be that the Rapids were in New York and what we put into home games is so much more than visiting a bar, that away games have less of an impact on my memory. 

Speaking of what we put into home games. The guest at today’s tailgate may not be a player, but he’s the guy responsible for bringing in all the players we’ve seen walk through the gates at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park the last two years.  Last year Padraig Smith was a bit handcuffed as far as what he could do, the pocketbook didn’t open up until the Rapids had their worst season ever.  As soon as he had the chance to do his thing, he did.  He isn’t just a guy who can bring in players, but he is a guy who plays with numbers, both financially and statically.  He’s been touted as a “Moneyball” type of guy, but he’s more than that.  Padraig has been at the helm of creating a state of the art scouting program which may finally be out of beta.

 

Before the season started Matt and I were given the opportunity to sit down with Mr. Smith in his office.  So much was said off the record I wasn’t quite sure how to write up an article. The only take away I had was, we have to trust this guy.  He’s done nothing but good things everywhere he’s been, it just may take some time.  The results of his work with the FAI and UEFA didn’t start really taking effect until after he left.  On average his work takes about two to three years to take effect, so in essence with what he’s done so far can be called impressive.  Only he knows what’s in store for next year, but we know he’s already focused on that; he’s told me so.

Now on to today’s game.  Vancouver is in town and they have only won once here at “The Dick” losing the last five times that the Whitecaps were here.  Because FC Dallas doesn’t play this week means that this is one of the games in hand.  It’s not a six pointer, but the potential three points would put the Rapids three points behind FCD, with two more games in hand.

Vancouver has the worst defense in the Western Conference, and the second worst defense in the league.  In most cases this would be a very good thing. Since the Rapids were barely able to put one goal past the worst defense in the league last week, some Rapids fans might remain skeptical.  Putting the NYCFC game aside, the Rapids have to be able to prove that they can score.  They spent the first half of the season proving that they can defend, now it’s time to show us, the league and themselves that they can put the ball in the net. 

Without Jermaine Jones, this team has not been able to provide an offensive spark, let alone having someone intimidating in the midfield forcing teams to play on their heels from the start.  Jones was rehabbing earlier in the week, but from what I could tell, may not be 100% ready to start today. Someone, anyone needs to step up and fill the hole Jones has left.

Not having Michael Azira (suspended for his double yellow last week) does put the Rapids at a slight disadvantage in the defensive part of the midfield, but it does open up some options as far as adding some more attack.  While the topic of a formation change seems to be one that has us all talking, deep down we all know that won’t happen.  So that means that either Jared Watts, or Dillon Powers will slide into the vacant spot next to Sam Cronin.  If it’s Watts, then we will see the return of Monument Man Bobby Burling, if it’s Powers, it may mean that Marco Pappa could start; which seems likely considering he starts more at home.

New signing Sebastian Le Toux reportedly has some tightness in his back and is listed questionable for this game.  The addition of Le Toux could provide another outlet for Doyle and Gashi, so we can hope for a quick recovery. 

Limited seating is available, so if you’re looking for tickets hit up the tailgate early.  There will be beer, food, music and an interview with the man who built this team.  Still undefeated at home, The Voice of C38 karma is still going strong; bring your A game, the twelfth man is just as important as ever.

  

Predicted starting XI: Tim Howard, Eric Miller, Bobby Burling, Axel Sjoberg, Marc Burch.  Sam Cronin, Dillon Powers, Marco Pappa, Shkelzen Gashi, Marlon Hairston, Kevin Doyle.