Rocky Mountain Cup Round 1!

This is one game that shouldn't require any effort to get up for from the players. The Rapids left two points on the field last week, and now they have a chance to beat down FaKe SaLt LaKe. There's no excuses for not putting out 100% effort for 90 minutes in this game. Kickoff is at 7:30pm tomorrow, and there will be an expanded 3 hour tailgate before the game in the VIP Lot. All fans are welcome (well, maybe not FSL fans ;))

Injury Report:
OUT: GK Steward Ceus (R knee strain); QUESTIONABLE: DF Ty Harden (hamstring), DF Cory Gibbs (R groin)

Official Discipline Report:
TWO CAUTIONS FROM SUSPENSION: Cory Gibbs

With the exception of the center back spot we're healthy, but so is FSL. We're going to need Palguta to step his game up and lock down the back with Ihemelu.

Burpo

Kimura - Ihemelu - Palguta - Harvey
Pablo

Cooke - Black Hole - Clark

Cummings - Casey

I think Smith will stay with Burpo at least through this week, and then use the bye to evaluate which keeper to go with. He started Cooke last week and I thought TC brought some stability to the midfield so I expect him to start again.

Key To Look For:
Simple, who wants it more. This is the only RMC match in Denver this year, and if we don't get a win, probably a multi-goal win, its going to be very very hard to bring the Cup back where it belongs. Not to mention that losing more points at home will make for a long season as we have to dig out of a hole. If the Rapids show up, control the ball, and play like they want to dominate the game we can win this. If the team that's shown up over the last few weeks is what comes out of the locker room tomorrow night we'll be lucky to squeak out a win.

Prediction: 2-1 win, both goals by Conor Casey. I almost want to say 1-0, but our defense hasn't gotten a shut out yet so I have to assume FSL will score one. I think the Rapids will be up to the challenge, and after Casey being shut out the last couple weeks he'll put the team on his shoulders.