Red Cows Come To Cow Town

The country's biggest city sending a team named after bulls to the home of the world's largest stock show is an interesting dichotomy.  its also the first time that RBNY has been to Colorado in 6 years.  We've got two pretty equal teams, both sitting in 4th place in their respective conferences and both playing at a bit over 1.6 PPG.  Both are also missing key midfield pieces )in RBNY's case they sold their defensive midfielder to Liga MX recently).  Kickoff tomorrow is at 7:30pm and its going to be a scorcher.  Looking at mid-90's at kickoff after hitting triple-digits during the tailgate.  So everyone, seriously, stay hydrated tomorrow.

Player Availability:

OUT: D Moise Bombito (Team Canada), D Jackson Travis (stress fracture), M Djordje Mihailovic (USA Olympic Team)

After this weekend we'll get Bombito back (barring a sale) but we won't see Djordje again until maybe the Leon match in Leagues Cup but if the U.S. makes the semis then not until MLS restarts (unless the Rapids advance in the Cup).

 Based on last week's game without Mihailovic I think this is pretty obvious.  Bassett pushes forward with Ronan and Larraz behind him.  After a goal and an assist Cabral has to get the start and Fernandez gets the start on the other side against his old team.

Prediction: 1-0 win, goal by Navarro.  RBNY has a better defense but not as good of an offense.  I think this turns into a defensive battle and the heat and altitude finally take their toll and allow the Rapids to get the upper hand.  But its not going to be a comfortable win.