Rapids In Warm LA-LA Land

A bit different than what we're seeing in Colorado

After an epic game at the Dick last night (more on that later) the Rapids are in LA tonight to face the Galaxy.  This isn't the same Galaxy as Old Spice has gone to Paris, PrimaDonnanvan is still on walkabout, and Robbie Keane is off with the Irish Nats.  That might give us an opening to steal a point or three.  Game time is 8:30pm MDT and the game is on Altitude.  If there's any energy left in C38 you can find watch parties at the usual locations but eeryone is probably going to be a little more low-key as they recover from last night,. ;)

Injury Report:

OUT:  MF Jaime Castrillon (R knee surgery), GK Matt Pickens (L arm fracture), MF Martin Rivero (R foot fracture), DF Anthony Wallace (L groin strain)
QUESTIONABLE: FW Edson Buddle (R knee soreness), MF Pablo Mastroeni (L hamstring strain)

Ineligible:

FW Charles Eloundou - Still waiting on visa

LA has 3 players out, 1 questionable, 2 on Nats duty, and Donovan on walkabout so both teams are pretty close to equally crippled.  Hard to tell what Pareja will do with the young keeper but here's my guess at the starting XI:

This is the lineup we used against FSL once Pickens was injured, and it wasn't too bad, but there are still players who aren't excelling.   If Pablo's healthy I'm guessing Harbottle moves back up front for Cascio.  If Buddle can go Brown will move outside and Cascio or Harris will sit.

Key To Look For: Clint Irwin.  He did well against FSL off the bench, but what confidence does he have as the starter and what confidence does the team have in him?

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal by Brown.  The weakened LA sets up well for us to steal a point, which would be a great result.  Brown continues to figure out MLS and gets his second of the year.