May 14th, 1814 - Skirmish of Otter Creek

Continuing our War of 1812 history lesson, 197 years ago tomorrow a small British flotilla engaged an American force at the mouth of Otter Creek on Lake Champlain. The British were driven off and proceeded up Bouquet River to destroy the flour supplies in the mills at the base of the falls before re-engaging the Americans on the return trip. The British took heavy casualties for a small payoff.

On the 197th anniversary of the battle the British-led Rapids will attempt to have more success against the American-led DC United in our Nation's capital. Colorado will hope to do more than destroy some flour as they beat this same DC team 4-1 at the Dick just last month. Game time is 5:30pm on Altitude and Class VI and Pid Army will be watching the game at the Highlands Tavern.

Injury Report:

OUT: FW Omar Cummings (R ankle sprain), FW Caleb Folan (R groin strain); FW Macoumba Kandji (L knee ACL tear)

QUESTIONABLE: DF Eddie Ababio (R hamstring strain)

PROBABLE: FW Quincy Amarikwa (L ankle sprain); FW Conor Casey (L hamstring strain); MF Sanna Nyassi (lower back strain); GK Matt Pickens (R groin strain)

Disciplinary Report:

SUSPENDED: MF Brian Mullan (7 games)

SUSPENDED AFTER 2 MORE CAUTIONS: FW Conor Casey

The injury report is only slightly better this week. Casey did travel to DC with the team and is expected to play at some point. DC has 4 players out and 1 player with the U-20 team. Its hard to predict a lineup right now, but my guess:

Pickens

Kimura - Wynne - Marshall - Moor

Nyassi - Mastroeni - Larentowicz - Smith

Casey - Akpan

If Nyassi and Casey are able to start that's not a bad lineup, with 8-9 of our regular starters. I expect Marshall to get the no over Wallace or Palguta on the back line. If Nyassi can't start then I think Kimura will move up to midfield again with one of those two taking his spot on the back line. I assume wither Casey or Amarikwa will be able to start, but it sounds like Casey will be able to and Quincy will come off the bench.

Key To Look For: Charlie Davies. The American striker is the hottest new player in MLS right now and somebody will need to have eyes on him at all times. Nobody else on DC has more than 2 goals or assists, so if the Rapids can keep Davies off the board they'll have a good shot to get a result.

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal from Akpan. 3rd road game in a row with a beat up team, I'm feeling like a draw is a more likely result. We've saw the Rapids grind out 3 results last week and I expect more of the same. Akpan seems to be the hot striker right now, and with Casey int he game at some point to draw defenders he'll find a way to score.