Time To Start Getting Our Cup Back

I'll Be Happy To Hoist This Again

Oh yeah, its Rocky Mountain Cup time again.  The Rapids make their only trip into Utah this year (barring a USOC matchup or an extremely unlikely playoff game) on Sunday to face FaKe SaLt LaKe.  FSL is not having a good year and will be missing Rimando and ex-Rapid Beckerman to National Team duty so they are vulnerable.  Kickoff is at 3pm on Sunday and will be in an odd place, ESPNNews (Channel 841 in HD on Comcast).

Injury Report:

QUESTIONABLE: Vicente Sanchez (hip flexor)

Discipline:

ONE YELLOW FROM SUSPENSION: M Sam Cronin

International Absences:

USA U-23s: D Shane O'Neill, M Dillon Serna

Ineligible:

D Joseph Greenspan (Will be added to roster after the game when Berner's loan recall is eliminated)

Obviously  missing our two U-23s stll hurts but FSL has 2 on the U-20 roster and the aforementioned Beckerman and Rimando on full Nats duty.  They also have two players out injured so they are thinner then we are.  My guess at what the Rapids will line up with is not what I'd choose but:

There's a lot I hate about this lineup but it seems to be what Pablo is thinking.  At this point the Rapids should be playing a 4-4-2 with both Doyle and Solignac up front but we seem to be wedded to the 4-2-3-1.  If Sarvas can start he'll go in for Cronin.  I really hope Pablo can at least see the value of Powers in the middle but I doubt it.

Strategic Consideration: Go get our Cup.  After the embarrassment of last weekend and the rivalry aspect I expect the players to be up to play for this one.  If not then the season is over.

Prediction: 1-1 draw, goal by Torres.  After the Vancouver game I would have predicted a win in this one but after the Portland game I can't do that.  A draw at best which would still be a good result on the Rocky Mountain Cup front.  And as always: