Here we are, round one of the Western Conference Championship
as the Rapids are in Seattle to take on the Sounders. Both teams have taken a bit of a hit from the
injury bug, but they also have guys who can still help their team win. Seattle may be without Jordan Morris and
Alvaro Fernandez; just in case you missed the news earlier this season, but
Clint Dempsey has a bit of a health concern and has been ruled out for the
year.
As for the Rapids, Gashi’s ankle has him listed as doubtful
and we now have to accept the fact Tim Howard is out until at least April next
year. Will Jermaine have legs like
rubber, or will he be ready to put the burgundy boys on his back and help them
get a point or three away from home?
The task here is to quiet Nicolas Loderio, Seattle’s mid-season
acquisition who is on fire right now and is a front runner for playoff
MVP. Jones, Azira, and Cronin will have
to be on their A game, as well as Zac MacMath.
When it became official that Howard was not going to be able to play, I
wasn’t worried about having Macmath in goal.
After all, he was the best keeper in the league before Tim Howard got
here.
The question we all will be asking is, will there be an
offense? Will this game play out to a
0-0 draw? Will Kevin Doyle do in Seattle
what he’s done before? Will Step-Pappa come on in the late stages of the game
and give us an amazing display of brilliance to put us on top?
The Rapids have their destiny in their hands as they go to
battle. This is what they have been
preparing for all season long and if this season has taught us anything, it’s
that we can’t underestimate Coach Pablo.
There are some viewing parties for this one. On the south side you can rely on the Blue
Spruce, and in Denver, the Recess Beer Garden (2715 17th St, Ste 103, Denver)
and there is a rumor that Conor Casey will be there. Kickoff is at 8pm, and the game is on FS1.
Predicted starting X: MacMath, Miller, Watts, Sjoberg,
Burch. Cronin, Azira, Le toux, Jones, Badji, Doyle.
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