Rapids Face Under-A-Chivas

Glad I live in Denver

After an eventful week its time to get back to playing soccer.  The Rapids have an extra rest day this week, not playing until late on Sunday.  I expect some tired Rapids fans at work on Monday, as kickoff isn't until 9pm Denver time.  The game will be on Altitude and the viewing party, featuring the Rocky Mountain Cup, will be at the British Bulldog.

Injury Report:

OUT:  FW Edson Buddle (L hamstring strain); DF Diego Calderon (R knee Surgery)
QUESTIONABLE: FW Atiba Harris (R quad strain); DF Kory Kindle (L ankle sprain); MF Martin Rivero (L quad strain)

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

Ineligible:

FW Charles Eloundou - Still waiting on International Transfer Certificate; FW Gabriel Torres - Waiting on P-1 visa

The Rocky Mountain Cup draw in the rain took a toll on the team.  Both Budd;le and Harris added to the injury report.  Hard to consider Buddle a loss though.  Chivas has 2 players out, 2 players questionable, and Carlos Bocanegra suspended.  My guess at our XI:

Our injury issues up front will make Sanchez a starter in his first game as a Rapid.  Cascio could also start up front but I think he'll be held as a possible sub.  Rivero will also be a sub probably.  If Torres visa shows up in the next 24 hours that changes everything, but safe to assume it won't.  He did travel with the team to at least play in Monday's reserves game.

Key To Look For: Staying focused.  Easy to overlook what appears to be the easiest game left on our schedule but that's when teams get burned.  Knock Chivas out early and they'll fold.

Prediction: 1-0 win, goal by Brown.  Now that Deshorn has found his scoring boots he continues to pressure Powers int he Rookie of the Year race.  Dan Kennedy and the oddly late start time will keep this one close though.