Rapids Try To Do Moor With Less In LA-LA Land

The Rapids come off their two week break with a trip to LA to face the Galaxy. It wasn't all rest though as Ceus, Cummings, Larentowicz, and Nyassi played for their National Teams. Ceus and Cummings got 2 full games, while Nyassi only had one and Larentowicz was on the bench for one and got 15 minutes in the second. Now its time to focus back on MLS and the current Supporters Shield leaders. Game time tomorrow is a late 9pm MDT for the FOX Soccer Channel broadcast. Class VI and Pid Army will be gathering at the Celtic in LoDo for a large party with door prizes and raffles, and smaller parties at CB&Potts in Fort Collins and McCabes in the Springs.

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: DF Drew Moor

SUSPENDED AFTER 1 MORE CAUTION: FW Caleb Folan, MF Jeff Larentowicz, MF Wells Thompson (all need a clean game to knock one yellow off their total)

SUSPENDED AFTER 2 MORE CAUTIONS: MF Ross LaBauex; DF Tyrone Marshall; MF Pablo Mastroeni; MF Brian Mullan; MF Sanna Nyassi; DF Anthony Wallace

Unfortunately the injury report isn't much better than before the break. Jamie Smith and Anthony Wallace are still unlikely to be available. With Drew Moor suspended and missing his first game ever since arriving in Colorado that leaves a weak backline. The Galaxy have 5 players listed as questionable including Old Spice himself. My guess at the starting XI:

Pickens

Kimura - Wynne - Marshall - Earls

Mullan - Pablo - Larentowicz - LaBauex

Cummings - Nyassi

I'd really prefer to see a younger lineup with some of the regulars saved for Tuesday's home game against Santos Laguna, but based on what we've seen so far with the CCL I don't think Gary Smith feels the same way. I'm pretty sure we'll see the standard XI for this one.

Key To Look For: How does our makeshift backline hold up against the powerful Galaxy strikers. Keane and Prima Donnavan are probably the most talented duo in MLS, especially with Casey injured, and they'll be going up against a backline missing a regular starter and with a left back by committee.

Prediction: 2-1 loss, goal by Cummings. I don't think the Rapids can hold up to LA's firepower. Cummings will level the game after LA goes up early, but out back line will break down in the second half and allow the winner.