Colorado Goes For 4-0 Over Canada

Colorado's own South Park backs the Rapids

Well its all come down to this, a home-and-home against Vancouver for a spot in the playoffs.  The Rapids can essentially clinch (barring San Jose suddenly scoring double-digit goals over the next two games) with a win and a LA win or draw.  If Colorado, Seattle, and LA all win the Rapids will clinch a playoff spot with no ability to move up from the 5 seed.  Vancouver is still in the running, but will be eliminated with a loss.  Game time tomorrow is 4pm and the game is on Alttiude for the first 30 minutes and Altitude 2 for the full game (948 in HD on Denver Comcast).  Tailgate starts at 1pm for the final regular-season home game with a baked potato bar added to the normal layout.

Injury Report:

OUT: DF Davy Armstrong (R ACL surgery); DF Kory Kindle (sports hernia)
QUESTIONABLE: MF Dillon Powers (concussion); MF Jamie Smith (R knee)

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

Ineligible:

FW Charles Eloundou - Still waiting on International Transfer Certificate

Powers didn't participate in practice today so I'm assuming he won't be available tomorrow.  Otherwise we're at pretty close to full strength but Dillon is a big loss.  Vancouver has 3 players questionable so they're coming it at close to full strength as well.  My guess at our XI:
:

Torres and Brown both played with their National Teams on Tuesday but I think it will be all hands on deck for this one.  Anything less than a win puts our playoff hopes in jeopardy.  If for some reason they aren't starting it will probably be Buddle and Harris.

Key To Look For: Attack.  Two out of the last three games we've had a combined 1 shot on goal.  We can't afford that against Vancouver, we have to attack early and often.

Prediction: 2-1 win, goals by Torres and Brown.  Its going to be tight and this won't be an "easy" win like the 2-0 win over Vancouver in August felt like.  In the end though the home field advantage will be enough to get us through.  I also think LA will get a result over San Jose on Sunday, putting us in the playoffs this weekend.