Friday, August 5, 2016

Rapids Try To Start New Streak

USA vs Canada on the first full day of Olympics

Time to put last week behind us.  A home match against an opponent we just played to a draw on the road is a good chance to get back to winning ways.  Kickoff tomorrow is at 7pm and its will be a cooler, more enjoyable, tailgate starting at 4.  TV coverage is on Altitude.

Player Availability:
OUT: D Sean St. Ledger (knee); M Dillon Serna (season ending ACL tear)
DOUBTFUL: M Jermaine Jones (quad)
QUESTIONABLE: M Sebastien Le Toux (back)
SUSPENDED: M Micheal Azira
ONE YELLOW FROM SUSPENSION: F Shkelzen Gashi (2 games for good behavior reduction)

Yeah, I was hoping to see Le Toux start but I don't think that's happening.  Kind of an ugly list of unavailable players to work around.  Vancouver has 3 players out (including ex-Rapid Jordan Harvey) and 2 players questionable.

Starting XI Prediction:

We could see Powers pushed back for Azira and Pappa in the middle (and then possibly Watts back on the back line in place of Miller) but my guess is the lineup above.  If somehow Le Toux can go he'd take Hairston's place.

Prediction: 1-0 win, goal by Doyle.  As we saw a couple of weeks ago Vancovuer has a lousy defense.  I think our defense will get their act together at home but our offense isn't going to break out.  Another 1-0 game in the making.

No comments: