The Equalizer

The Rapids are on the road this week, some of them on a very long road trip, in San Jose. Last time these two teams met a great Kosuke Kimura goal gave the Rapids the win and, more importantly, the Eastern Conference Championship en rout to their MLS Cup victory. I think we can expect the Earthquakes to be looking for some revenge after that loss. Game time tomorrow is a late 8:30pm. The game is on Altitude with Class VI and the Pid Army watching the game from the Highland Tap House on 32nd.

Injury Report:

OUT: FW Conor Casey (L Achilles tear); Anthony Wallace (L knee sprain)

QUESTIONABLE: MF Jamie Smith (R hamstring strain, R calf strain)

PROBABLE: GK Matt Pickens (R groin strain)

Disciplinary Report:

SUSPENDED AFTER 2 MORE CAUTIONS: FW Caleb Folan; MF Ross LaBauex; MF Jeff Larentowicz; DF Tyrone Marshall; MF Pablo Mastroeni; DF Drew Moor; MF Sanna Nyassi; MF Wells Thompson; DF Anthony Wallace

Hey, look who's not on the injury list for the first time this season. Macumba Kandji! Despite being downgraded to questionable, Gary Smith reported yesterday that Jamie Smith, along with Folan and Kandji, were ready to play 90 tomorrow night. San Jose have 5 players listed as questionable or worse, so they're hurting. My complete guess at the starting XI tomorrow:

Pickens

Kimura - Wynne - Marshall - Moor

Mullan - Pablo- Larentowicz - Thompson

Folan - Akpan

With the injuries. travel, and crowded schedule coming up I think Cyanide will get the night off, and Smith will get another game to rest, though we could see him as a sub. Otherwise we'll see our normal starters. I'd like to see Mullan and Marshall rested for the Champions League game on Wednesday but I doubt it will happen.

Stat of the Game: By my count if Drew Moor starts and plays the full game he'll tie Peter Vermes ironman record at 67 games.

Key To Look For: What lineup do the Rapids play. Omar Cummings flew to China to play with the Jamaican National Team on Wednesday, the same day Nyassi played with the Gambian National Team in the Congo. Both are expected to be with the team tomorrow night. With the CCL starting on Wednesday and another game next Saturday, do some players get rested?

Prediction: 1-1 draw, Larentowicz gets The Equalizer (reference left up to you to decode). I think we'll see a few players be rested and the team be happy with a draw. San Jose isn't a real dangerous team right now but I won't be shocked when this defense gives up a goal to them.