Home Opener Finally!

Home sweet home

With the bye it feels like the season didn't really start two weeks ago, but we're back and at home finally!  The new expansion side NYCFC, starring David Villa and Mix Diskerud, is in town and the Rapids will get their first look at them.  Game time tomorrow is 2pm on a sunny afternoon, so the tailgate starts at 11am.  Those of you who will miss it can watch on Altitude.

Injury Report:

OUT: D Drew Moor (ACL); D Marlon Hairston (shoulder); M Charles Eloundou (fitness) 

QUESTIONABLE: M Juan Ramirez (hamstring); M Marcelo Sarvas (knee)

Discipline Report:

SUSPENDED: D Bobby Burling (red card vs. Philly; D JAmes Riley (DisCo suspension)

NYCFC is only missing George "Own Goal" John, who's not going to be available until the second half of the season due to knee surgery.  That's an ugly out list for the Rapids.  Guessing at the XI, especially the midfield, but what I think:

Maybe Torres goes up top and Powers slides in underneath him, but I doubt it.  If Ramirez can go he'd take Serna's spot..

Strategic Consideration: Denying NYCFC's attack the ball.  David Villa will kill this defense if he has a chance to run at them and Mix can put him into space.  Pressure has to start higha nd deny the ball in NYCFC's attacking third.

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal by Torres.  And that feels generous.  I don't see a path to a win in this one but I can see a path to a loss.  If our defense steps up and limits the NYCFC chances then we can probably get a goal against their weak back line and get a draw.  If we give the new kids chances though it could get ugly fast.