And So It Begins...

Never gets old, does it?

We're finally here, kickoff of the 2013 season.  The journey starts in our playoff home away from home, Dallas.  Both teams have undergone a number of changes in the offseason, so its hard to get a read on either team.  It should be entertaining if nothing else.  Kickoff tomorrow is at 6:30pm MST and the game is on Altitude.  Calling the game are Marcelo Balboa and an old friend to Rapids fans, Marc Stout.  I challenged Marc to work Scott Vermillon's name into the conversation, we'll see if he attempts it. :D  The official Centennial 38 watch party is at The Armory downtown, but a group of fans are also gathering at the Westminster CB & Potts on 120th.

Injury Report:

Well the official injury report didn't get updated.  What we know is that Buddle, Castrillon, and Rivero are officially out, Pickens and Kindle are fighting injuries and are questionable I'd guess.

International Absences:

CONCACAF U-20 Championship: Dillon Serna, Shane O'Neill (Nice job qualifying for the WC guys!)

Ineligible:

Charles Eloundou - No word that his visa has come through yet

Dallas apparently has a couple of players injured and one suspended, so their lineup is going to be a bit piecemeal, much like the Rapids.  Early reports are that Pareja really likes the youth movement so we could see both our first round picks start their first games as professionals.  My guess (an that's really all it is right now) at our starting XI:

Really though we could see Harbottle for Harris, Hill for Powers, Mwanga for Brown, or Wallace for Mullan, plus a bunch of other combinations I haven't even listed yet.  And of course if Pickens can't go we'll see Ceus in net.

Key To Look For: Do these guys know how to play together?  We're looking at a pretty new group just getting to know each other, it could lead to some chaotic play.

Prediction: 2-1 loss, goal by Brown.  Our lack of familiarity hurts us and Dallas takes advantage going up 2-0 before Brown scores on his pro debut late.  If Pickens is out and Ceus starts the loss will be by 2 goals, either 2-0 or 3-1.