Game on! It’s as if the
Rapids have been distracted by the metaphorical cars that are injuries,
suspensions and illnesses. At least that
is what Garth would have told Wayne after a few got past him. Have no fear, it’s game day once again and
time to focus on the Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Rapids play host to Vancouver, who have won and then
lost every other game so far this season.
With a 3-2 record over the last five games (WLWLW) the Rapids are in a
place to keep the pattern going and give the Whitecaps their next loss.
A lot of grit, talent, and a bit of luck will have to play
it’s part in order for that to happen though.
As Rapids fans we are learning that luck does play a part in this sport
and we got a bit lucky last season, especially at home. Let’s bring the luck for the burgundy boys
tonight.
Tim Howard returns to his post, between the posts but first,
a tip of the cap to Zac MacMath. Zac won
player of the month and won save of the week twice. We’ve got depth at the keeper position, that’s
for sure.
As for the offense though, I’d like to think that most of us
would want to see some sort of mix up from lineups past. Including Shkelzen Gashi, who we all want to
see get the start. Since there seems to
be a “who knows, everything goes” mentality among the message boards, I’ll do
the same with my lineup predictions.
Without Lil Dill and Gashi, the creative production and the
amount of shots taken are not there. The
Rapids have scored just 5 goals so far with 16 shots on target. Tonight’s
opponent has 11 goals from taking 27 shots on target. Remember these are shots on target, not just
shots. Last week of the three shots
taken, only one was on target, Gashi’s.
The other two shots came from Alan Gordon and Dillon Serna. Two of the three shot takers had minimal time
to make an impact on a game that was slipping out of the Rapids hands. It’s in the best interest of all things
Rapids for Serna and Gashi to get maximum minutes.
Kevin Doyle has a work ethic that can’t go unnoticed. We may have thought at times he may have been
a bit removed; when you’re a guy who needs great service for headers and isn’t
getting them, it would be human to get frustrated. With guys like Gashi, Serna, and Hairston,
Doyle would get the service he needs.
Dillon Powers has the ability to own the midfield. With the guys I just mentioned playing in
front of him and with what Michael Azira brings to the table, Big Dill is
looking at a chance to return to rookie form.
Kortne Ford returns to the starting lineup after serving a
suspension. This is another big and
somewhat emotional game for him. His
mother’s battle with cancer isn’t over, this time it’s in the bone. C38 and the Rapids would like to let him know
that we all are sending all of our best thoughts, vibes, hopes and prayers to
the Ford clan. Not just by my little
pregame article, but by standing up in the 24th minute. Let’s standup
to cancer and show our support to Kortne and his mother.
This roster has plenty of guys with talent, grit and
determination. It’s on us the fans to bring the good vibes and hopefully the
luck will soon follow. Kickoff is at
8pm, if you can’t make it to the game, it will be aired on AltitudeTV.
Hopeful Starting XI: Howard, Miller, Watts, Ford,
Williams. Azira, Powers, Hairston,
Serna, Gashi, Doyle.
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