Spanish Bombs

The Rapids wouldn't mind some long shots from Jose Mari

Colorado is finally back home tomorrow, facing the San Jose Earthquakes at the Dick.  After missing the last home game its been far too long since I've seen them in person.  San Jose is still looking for their first win this year, while the Rapids have a chance to put up their best ever point total after their first 6 games with at least a draw.  Game time tomorrow is 4pm, with the tailgate starting at 1pm.  If you can't make it, Fleming and Crookham will be calling the game on Altitude.

Injury Report:

OUT: M Brian Mullan (L knee surgery)

QUESTIONABLE: D Chris Klute (R hamstring strain)

Vicente Sanchez and his wife Paula welcomed Mia Valentina into the world on Wednesday so he will be available tomorrow.  Congrats to the whole family!  Meanwhile San Jose has 5 players out, including the annoying Steven Lenhart, and another 3 questionable.  Pablo has almost a full squad to choose from, so it will be interesting to see who starts.  Here's my guess:

In defense, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.  The midfield and attack positions are more of a question mark, but after Sanchez got some rest the last couple of weeks I think we see him back in, and Sturgis seems to fit a bit better on the left than LaBrocca.  If Pablo wants more attack we could see Serna in Sturgis' place.  We may see Chavez if Pablo wants to give him a shot to show his old team what he can do.  Brown worked coming off the bench last week so I think we see the Torres/Buddle pairing again.

Strategic Consideration: Don't get sucked into playing San Jose's physical game.  It feels odd to say that about a Rapids team, but this isn't the same Rapids of a few years ago.  San Jose will try to make the game physical but that works in their favor.

Prediction: 2-0 win, goals by Torres and Buddle.  San Jose is not good and this is a great chance for the Rapids to show they don't play down to their opponent.  Buddle gets #100 at home and Torres finally gets on the score sheet.