Colorado Goes For Three In A Row Against League's Worst

Rapids Hope To Flood DC's Defense

Colorado has a chance tomorrow night to get their first 3-game winning streak under Oscar Pareja, and they couldn't ask for a better team to be facing, DC United who has yet to get to double-digit points this season.  DC historically struggles at elevation as well, their win in 2010 while Gary Smith rested some players pre-playoffs was their only one this millennium.  Game time tomorrow is a later 7:30pm start, with another round of fireworks post-game.  Those who can't make it can watch on Altitude.

Injury Report:

OUT:  DF Diego Calderon (R knee Surgery)
QUESTIONABLE: GK Matt Pickens (L arm fracture); MF Martin Rivero (L quad strain)

Disciplinary Report:
SUSPENDED AFTER TWO YELLOWS: DF Shane O'Neill; MF Dillon Powers; MF Hendry Thomas

Ineligible:

FW Charles Eloundou - Still waiting on International Transfer Certificate

No changes from Thursday night for the Rapids, other than Thomas has stepped back from the suspension cliff after 3 games on good behavior.  DC has 5 players out injured, plus starting GK Bill Hamid is with the U.S. Gold Cup team.  What seems to be more of a guess than a good hunch of our starting XI:

Pareja seemed very happy with his back line against NY so I don't expect any changes there.  Brown seems to be our second-half super-sub so event hough he deserves to start I expect he'll stay in that role at least through this game.  You could see a Mullan or Castrillon start in the midfield possible, but I think PAreja will roll out the same XI we saw against NY.

Key To Look For: Don't play to our opponent's level.  DC is a lousy team this year and we just need to go out, take care of business, and put them away early.  The longer we let them stay in the game the more confidence they'll gain.  End it early.

Prediction: 3-0 win, goals by Buddle, Harris, and Brown.  The first 20 minutes or so the Rapids will give long-term fans flashbacks of Colorado blowing games they should win, but after settling down the Rapids will control the game and rack up some goals.  Brown comes off the bench for his 3rd goal as a sub in 3 games while Harris will keep pace in the race for the Rapids golden boot.  Buddle will finally play like he cares as well.