Clampdown

The defense will need to do this to 2012 MVP Wondolowski

After a week of the Rapids are back in action at the Dick tomorrow, facing San Jose.  The Earthquakes also had last weekend off, and took the down time as an opportunity for the team and coach Frank Yallop to go their separate ways.  So Colorado will be facing a team under new management, with this being Mark Watson's first game in charge.  Game time tomorrow is at 7pm, so the tailgate starts at 4.  The game is on Altitude for those who won't be there.

Injury Report:

OUT:  DF Diego Calderon (R knee Surgery), DF Brenton Griffiths (R shoulder dislocation); GK Matt Pickens (L arm fracture)
QUESTIONABLE: MF Jaime Smith (R groin strain)

Disciplinary Report:
SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOWS: MF Hendry Thomas; MF Dillon Powers

Ineligible:

FW Charles Eloundou - Still waiting on International Transfer Certificate
DF Shane O'Neill; MF Dillon Serna - U.S. U-20 callup

That's the smallest injury list yet this season which is a very positive sign.  Shane O'Neill is a big absence with Calderon still injured, but San Jose is dealing with a trio of absences as well, including former Rapid Ty Harden.  My guess at a starting XI:

We could see Mera in the middle of the back line and Wynne at right back but I think Pareja probably feels more confident in the Moor-Wynne combo.  The rest of the lineup seems fairly obvious right now.

Key To Look For: Taking SJ out of the game early.  A quick goal or at the very least heavy control of the early game is required to keep a demoralized Earthquakes team from thinking the coaching change has improved their outlook.  Letting San Jose stay in the game will give them hope and set them up to steal points like they did last month in the Bay Area.

Prediction: 2-1 win, goals by Moor and Brown.  The Rapids, as they've done many times this season, will keep it closer than it should be before a set piece goal by Moor puts the E-Quakes out of their misery and gives the Rapids their 7th straight game without a defeat.