Up And Down The Dial

We're living on the air in Cincinnati

The Rapids face their biggest test, maybe of this season, tomorrow night as they're off to the land of flying turkeys facing off against the defending Shield holders.  This might be a tougher game than the trip to Miami, given that FCC is a better overall team even if they don't have the high-end talent of the GOAT.  We're also a little beat up, with 6 players on the injury report compared to 1 for Cinci.  Kickoff tomorrow is at 5:30 and we're once again stuck with the Rogondino and Pearce as the announcing duo.  Oh for the days of Fleming and Balboa...

Player Availability:

OUT: GK Adam Beaudry (Arsenal training), M Jonathan Lewis (knee), M Connor Ronan (knee), M Jasper Löffelsend (knee)

QUESTIONABLE: D Lalas Abubakar (hamstring), D Sam Vines (concussion)

Hard to believe Vines would be Questionable if he was still in concussion protocol so I assume that means he's cleared to play but since he didn't practice some or all of the week they're not sure if he's ready to start.  Not great seeing Löffelsend out again after having just come back from injury.

If its not broke...  I don't expect any changes other that the one forced by Vines' injury.  If he can go then Rosenberry goes back to his normal spot on the right.

Prediction: 1-0 loss.  Cinci has the best defense in the league and we can't rely on own goals and penalty kicks forever.  I think this is where our never say die attitude comes up short due to our never shoot the ball attitude.  We're not going to get played off the field like we did in Portland, but we will be the lesser team.