Creamsicles!

These might be good in the heat tomorrow

The Rapids start a 3 games in 7 days swing tomorrow that will take them into the World Cup break (USOC game aside).  Omar Cummings makes his first return to the Dick after the trade that sent him to Houston, he will probably get a rousing ovation when he makes an appearance.  Game time tomorrow is 6pm, so the tailgate is at 3.  The game is on Altitude and Univision Deportes for thos who can't make it.

Injury Report:

OUT: F Vicente Sanchez (L knee injury)

QUESTIONABLE: D Gale Agbossoumonde (lower abdominal pain); D Marc Burch (R hamstring strain); M Nathan Sturgis (R foot injury)

International Absences:

F Gabriel Torres (Panama)

No official injury report update since last week so Buddle isn't listed, but we know he isn't available.  Houston has 3 top players away on international duty, 1 suspended, and at least 3 injured.  Last week they could even dress a full healthy 18.  My guess at our XI:

With the lack of strikers and the 3 games in 7 days its hard to know what Pablo is going to do, but my guess is that he drops back into the 4-5-1 with Brown up front.  I assume Wynne will start one of the next two games, Piermayr will start the other, so its just a guess which one will get the start tomorrow.  The midfield is a toss up.  I assume Jose Mari, Serna, and Powers will be on the field, but other than that...

Strategic Consideration: Take advantage of the weakened opponent.  Last week Houston played 2 games and lost both by a combined score of 5-0.  They are beat up and missing key players.  The Rapids don't need to fear them, they need to beat them up.

Prediction: 1-0 win, goal by Brown.  The lack of strikers will leave us with a minimal attack, but Houston won't be able to mount anything in opposition.  The Rapids will get the win, but it won't be a particularly exciting game.