Rapids Try To Burn Whitecaps

The burning of York

200 years ago the U.S. fought the War of 1812 against Britain, mainly in British-held Canada.  As part of the war the American forces burned York.  Tonight the Rapids will try to recreate the victory over Canada by beating the Vancouver Whitecaps on Independence Day.  The game will be followed by the traditional fireworks show.  Kickoff is at 7:30 so the tailgate starts at 4:30 and the game is on Altitude.  As regular readers know I will not be present for this game as I have my own event to celebrate, my 14th wedding anniversary with my wonderful wife.  

Injury Report:
OUT: MF Pablo Mastroeni (headache symptoms); DF Anthony Wallace (L Achilles tear)
PROBABLE: FW Conor Casey (R hamstring strain);  FW Omar Cummings (L ankle sprain); DF Kosuke Kimura (L foot contusion); MF Jamie Smith (R ACL tear); DF Marvell Wynne (R hamstring strain)

Disciplinary Report:
SUSPENDED AFTER NEXT YELLOW: MF Jeff Larentowicz
SUSPENDED AFTER NEXT 2 YELLOWS: MF Jaime Castrillon; DF Tyrone Marshall

The injury report is the same as last game.  Vancouver has 6 players missing, so they're hurting more than we are.  The quick turn around between games and the fact we're going to Seattle on Saturday leads me to believe we'll see a change tonight.  My guess at the starting XI:

Casey - Cascio

Castrillon - Larentowicz - Rivero - Mullan

Zapata - Moor - Wynne - Freeman

Pickens

Cummings was noticeably limping when he came off on Saturday and I think Papi will give him this game to rest so he's ready to go in Seattle.  Though with the turf in Seattle he might play tonight and take Saturday off.  We could see Kimura instead of Zapata but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Key To Look For: Vancouver's rested squad versus our squad on short rest.  Will the big crowd give the Rapids the energy they need or will Vancouver be able to dictate the pace of the game?

Prediction: 2-1 win.  Goals by Casey and Larentowicz.  An All-American scoring duo will give the U.S. the win over Canada on the 4th of July.  It won't be easy and the winner will come late, but the big crowd and the Independence Day tradition will give the rapids the edge they need.