Rapids Try to Divide United

After a week of the Rapids are finally at home, hosting DC United. This is the start of 9 home dates in the next 12 games stretched over the summer. Game time is 7:30pm at the Dick, with the supporter's tailgate starting at 5:20, and all are welcome!

Official Injury Report:
PROBABLE: MF Terry Cooke (L knee sprain)

Official Discipline Report:
TWO CAUTIONS FROM SUSPENSION: Conor Casey, Cory Gibbs, Ugo Ihemelu

International Absences:
Conor Casey (U.S. National Team)

DC is missing two big pieces of their lineup, Jaime Moreno and Fred, but they have nobody missing on international duty.. My guess on the lineup:

Pickens

Kimura - Ihemelu - Gibbs - Harvey
Mastroeni

LaBrocca - Ballouchy - Clark

Cummings - Noonan

Smith has said that he likes to use Kimura at home, so I think Palguta will be the 5th wheel on the 4 man backline this week. Cooke's injury will probably have him coming off the bench. I'm guessing Pat Noonan will get his first start as a Rapid.

Key To Look For:

Christian Gomez vs. Pablo Mastroeni. With Fred and Moreno out Gomez is really going to be the key to the DC attack. Pablo spent last year training with Christian and should know what to expect. Gomez will also be looking to prove something to Jeff Plush and Gary Smith after his less than impressive season here in Colorado last year. If Pablo can keep Gomez contained DC won't have much to work with. If Gomez goes off like he's still capable of doing from time to time we could be in for a long night.

Prediction: 2-0 win, goals by Omar Cummings and Colin Clark. DC had to work hard just to get a draw in Seattle midweek. With their injuries a shutout should be achievable for the Rapids (finally). We'll get a goal early and then by the end of the game DC will be tired at altitude which will allow us to get a second. If we're as good as we think we are, this is a game we should win.