Rapids Enter 2016 U.S. Open Cup Tomorrow Night

Tomorrow the 4th Round of the U.S. Open Cup kicks off and due to the timing the first game will actually be the Rapids hosting the Colorado Springs Switchbacks at 7pm at the Dick.  This is the third year in a row the Rapids have started their USOC campaigns at home and I'm still getting used to it. :D  All tickets are $15 ($10 if your a season ticket holder) and are General Admission.  If its like the last couple of years only the West side of the stadium will be open.

This is a rematch of last year's 4th round game that the Rapids won 4-1.  Badji, Greenspan, and Serna (twice) had goals in that one.  I would expect Badji and Serna to start again tomorrow (Greenspan being still on Naval duty).  The Post reported earlier this week that Pappa is hoping to get some game time as he returns from injury as well.

Beyond that I won't predict a lineup.  Generally we have used reserves in the past and with a game Saturday against Chicago and a trip to LA next Wednesday I'd expect that to continue but given the long break we're coming out of some of the regulars might want minutes to knock the rust off.  St. Ledger and Burling are out due to injury and Gashi and Jones are with their National teams but otherwise everyone is available.

I won't put out a score prediction as it really depends on that starting lineup.  I do think the Rapids win this game though unless they look past the Switchbacks to wanting to keep their run going as league play starts on Saturday.  Colorado springs is playing well this year but based on what we've seen from the Rapids so far this season the burgundy boys should win this one.