Wounded Colorado Faces Portland

This might be a more accurate badge for this team

Looks like we might have some nice weather for a game at the Dick for the first time this season.  That's about the limit of the good news as the beat up Rapids host the Timbers tomorrow.  With as many as 7 starters missing from the lineup it will be a very different team that takes the field for the home side Saturday. Kickoff is at 4pm with the tailgate starting at 1.  for those who can't make it the game is on Altitude.

Injury Report:

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

Discipline Report:
SUSPENDED: DF Drew Moor (through 4/6)

Ineligible:

FW Charles Eloundou - Still waiting on visa

Portland has 3 players out injured, compared to up to 10 Rapids who may miss tomorrow's game.  I'm practically pulling names from a hat, but here's my guess at tomorrow's starting XI:

That is a very ugly back line, and an attacking group that hasn't shown much, but my guess is that Pareja will try to keep the changes to a minimum in front of a patchwork defense..

Key To Look For: Can we score?  2 goals in 4 games does not suggest we can, but we've won every home game against the Timbers by at least 2 goals.

Prediction: 2-1 win, goals by Brown and LaBrocca.  Portland doesn't even start playing until they get behind, usually by 2.  I think we can take an early lead and then steal a second goal while Portland presses.  They'll make it interesting late but the Rapids get their first win.